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January 2009
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Contents
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Chapter 1 About AutoCAD Mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
AutoCAD Mechanical Software Package . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Leveraging Legacy Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Starting AutoCAD Mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
AutoCAD Mechanical Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Product Support and Training Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Design Features in AutoCAD Mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Mechanical Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Associative Design and Detailing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
External References for Mechanical Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Associative 2D Hide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Autodesk Inventor link . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2D Design Productivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Engineering Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Machinery Systems Generators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Intelligent Production Drawing and Detailing . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Detailing Productivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Annotations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Standard Mechanical Content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Standard Parts Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Collaboration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
iii
Chapter 2 Commands in AutoCAD Mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Command Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Design and Annotation Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Chapter 3 Working with Templates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Working with Templates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Setting Mechanical Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Specifying Drawing Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Saving Templates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Using Templates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Setting Default Standards Templates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Chapter 4 Using Mechanical Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Working with Mechanical Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Creating Folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Modifying Folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Nesting Folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Instance vs. Occurrence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Selection Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Components and Component Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Creating Part Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Creating Assembly Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Modifying Assembly Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Using Folders with Component Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Mechanical Browser Display Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Mechanical Browser and BOMs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Browser Restructure and Ghost Components . . . . . . . . . . . 78
External Reference Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Inserting External Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Editing External Components In-place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Localizing and Externalizing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Annotation Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Associative Hide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Basics of AMSHIDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Using AMSHIDE in Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Chapter 5 Designing Levers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Extending Designs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
iv | Contents
Using Libraries to Insert Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Configuring Snap Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Creating Construction Lines (C-Lines) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Creating additional C-Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Creating Contours and Applying Fillets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Trimming Projecting Edges on Contours . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Applying Hatch Patterns to Contours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Dimensioning Contours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Creating and Dimensioning Detail Views . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Chapter 6 Working with Model Space and Layouts . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Working with Model Space and Layouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Creating Scale Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Creating Detail Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Generating New Viewports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Inserting Holes Within Viewports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Creating Subassemblies in New Layouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Chapter 7 Dimensioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Adding Dimensions to Drawings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Adding Multiple Dimensions Simultaneously . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Editing Dimensions with Power Commands . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Breaking Dimension Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Inserting Drawing Borders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Inserting Fits Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Chapter 8 Working with 2D Hide and 2D Steel Shapes . . . . . . . . . . 159
Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Working with 2D Hide and 2D Steel Shapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Opening the initial drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Defining 2D Hide Situations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Inserting 2D Steel Shapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Modifying Steel Shapes Using Power Commands . . . . . . . . . 167
Editing 2D Hide Situations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Copying and Moving 2D Hide Situations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Chapter 9 Working with Standard Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Working with Standard Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Inserting Screw Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Copying Screw Connections with Power Copy . . . . . . . . . . 184
Contents | v
Creating Screw Templates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Editing Screw Connections with Power Edit . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Working with Power View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Deleting with Power Erase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Inserting Holes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Inserting Pins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Turning Off Centerlines in Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Hiding Construction Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Simplifying Representations of Standard Parts . . . . . . . . . . 211
Chapter 10 Working with BOMs and Parts Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Working with Parts Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Inserting Part References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Editing Part References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Placing Balloons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Creating Parts Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Merging and Splitting Items In Parts Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Collecting Balloons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Sorting and Renumbering Items In Parts Lists . . . . . . . . . . 238
Using Filters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Chapter 11 Creating Shafts with Standard Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Creating Shafts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Configuring Snap Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Configuring Shaft Generators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Creating Cylindrical Shaft Sections and Gears . . . . . . . . . . 252
Inserting Spline Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Inserting Chamfers and Fillets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Inserting Shaft Breaks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Creating Side Views of Shafts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Inserting Threads on Shafts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Editing Shafts and Inserting Sections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Replacing Shaft Sections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Inserting Bearings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Engineering Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Chapter 12 Calculating Shafts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Calculating Shafts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Creating Shaft Contours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Specifying Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
vi | Contents
Placing Shaft Supports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Specifying Loads on Shafts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Calculating and Inserting Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Calculating Strengths of Shafts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Chapter 13 Calculating Moments of Inertia and Deflection Lines . . . . . . 285
Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Performing Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Calculating Moments of Inertia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Calculating Deflection Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Chapter 14 Calculating Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Chain Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Performing Length Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Optimizing Chain Lengths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Inserting Sprockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Inserting Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Chapter 15 Calculating Springs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Calculating Springs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Starting Spring Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Specifying Spring Restrictions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Calculating and Selecting Springs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
Inserting Springs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Creating Views of Springs with Power View . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Chapter 16 Calculating Screw Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Methods for Calculating Screws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Using Stand Alone Screw Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Selecting and Specifying Screws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Selecting and Specifying Nuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Selecting and Specifying Washers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Specifying Plate Geometry and Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Specifying Contact Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Specifying Loads and Moments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Specifying Settlement Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
Specifying Tightening Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
Creating and Inserting Result Blocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Chapter 17 Calculating Stress Using FEA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Contents | vii
Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
2D FEA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Calculating Stress In Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Defining Loads and Supports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Calculating Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Evaluating and Refining Mesh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Refining Designs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Recalculating Stress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Chapter 18 Designing and Calculating Cams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353
Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353
Designing and Calculating Cams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354
Starting Cam Designs and Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Defining Motion Sections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
Calculating Strength for Springs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
Exporting Cam Data and Viewing Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
Autodesk Inventor Link . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371
Chapter 19 Using Autodesk Inventor Link Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
Linking Autodesk Inventor Part Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
Shading and Rotating Geometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375
Inserting Drawing Borders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376
Creating Drawing Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380
Working with Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
Exporting Drawing Views to AutoCAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391
Linking Autodesk Inventor Assembly Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392
Accessing Parts from the Browser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 394
Accessing iProperties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 394
Inserting Drawing Borders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397
Creating Parts Lists and Balloons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 399
Creating Breakout Section Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402
Modifying Breakout Section Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 409
Removing Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 411
Updating Autodesk Inventor Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 411
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 413
viii | Contents
Overview
Part I provides information for getting started with your AutoCAD
Mechanical software.
It includes an overview of the product capabilities, a summary of commands with their
toolbuttons and descriptions, and a summary of new and revised commands in this release
of AutoCAD Mechanical.
In addition, Part I includes information about methods to access commands, AutoCAD
Mechanical Help, and product support and training resources.
1
2
About AutoCAD
Mechanical
This chapter provides information about the AutoCAD
commands.
Description Command Name Icon
Draws hidden lines to represent hidden edges,
when you specify what objects lie in front and
what objects lie behind.
AM2DHIDE
Edits or updates hide situations created with
the AM2DHIDE command.
AM2DHIDEDIT
Displays a screen containing licensing and
copyright information.
AMABOUT
Inserts an adjusting ring on a shaft. AMADJRINGS2D
2
13
Description Command Name Icon
Analyzes the current drawing and writes layer
information to an ALZ file.
AMANALYSEDWG
Creates a textual annotation that can be at-
tached to an object in a drawing view.
AMANNOTE
Creates a hatch that updates when you
modify its boundaries.
AMASSOHATCH
Creates vertical and horizontal construction
lines on all endpoints of selected objects.
AMAUTOCLINES
Moves the selected objects to an external
drawing file and creates an xref to it within
the current drawing.
AMAUTODETAIL
Creates multiple dimensions from a selected
point to all the vertices on the contour of se-
lected objects.
AMAUTODIM
Creates and places balloons in the drawing
area.
AMBALLOON
Determines the limiting value, dynamic and
static load rating, dynamic and static equival-
ent load, and fatigue life of a bearing.
AMBEARCALC
Performs a spring calculation and inserts a
Bellville washer spring in the drawing area.
AMBELL2D
Inserts a blind hole from the content library. AMBHOLE2D
Creates, edits, or deletes Bills of Materials
(BOMs).
AMBOM
Creates an extraction template to be used by
BOM Migration Utility.
AMBOMEXTTEMP
14 | Chapter 2 Commands in AutoCAD Mechanical
Description Command Name Icon
Migrates non-AutoCAD Mechanical drawings
to the latest AutoCAD Mechanical drawing
AMBOMMIGRATE
format. Legacy BOM data within the drawings
will be migrated to intelligent BOM and Parts
list data.
Breaks a line, polyline, or a spline at a specified
point.
AMBREAKATPT
Draws a special spline to show breakout bor-
ders.
AMBROUTLINE
Displays, hides, and moves the mechanical
browser.
AMBROWSER
Inserts a blind slot from the content library. AMBSLOT2D
Draws break out lines, as in hatched loop
breaks or freehand breaks in shafts.
AMC_Break_Line
Draws centerline. AMC_Centerline
Draws construction lines to display with the
content.
AMC_Construction
Draws construction lines that do not display
with the content.
AMC_Construction_Invis-
ible (Layer Name)
Draws contour edges. AMC_Contour
Draws contours that make underlying and
overlapping objects invisible in a hide situ-
ation.
AMC_Contour_BHII
Draws contours that do not display with the
content, and make underlying and overlap-
ping objects invisible in a hide situation.
AMC_Contour_BHII_In-
visible (Layer Name)
Command Summary | 1
(Layer Name)
(Layer Name)
(Layer Name)
(Layer Name)
(Layer Name)
Description Command Name Icon
Draws contours that make underlying objects
invisible, and leave overlapping objects un-
changed in a hide situation.
AMC_Contour_BHIU
Draws contours that do not display with the
content, make underlying objects invisible,
AMC_Contour_BHIU_In-
visble (Layer Name)
and leave overlapping objects unchanged in
a hide situation.
Draws dimensions to display with the content. AMC_Dimension (Layer
Draws dimensions that do not display with
the content.
AMC_Dimension_Invis-
ible (Layer Name)
Draws hidden edges. AMC_Hidden (Layer
Draws text that derives its color from the Text
Medium object. However, this object does not
control the height of the text you draw.
AMC_Text_Medium
Draws thread lines. AMC_Thread (Layer
Displays a wizard for the design of linear, cir-
cular, or cylindrical cams.
AMCAM
Creates multiple copies of content objects in
a pattern.
AMCARRAY
Edits an existing content array object. AMCARRAYEDIT
Creates concentric pitch circles and places
holes on it at specified angles.
AMCENCRANGLE
Places a hole at a specified distance from two
contour lines.
AMCENCRCORNER
16 | Chapter 2 Commands in AutoCAD Mechanical
(Layer Name)
Name)
(Layer Name)
Name)
Name)
Description Command Name Icon
Creates concentric pitch circles and places a
specified number of holes on them, distributed
uniformly.
AMCENCRFULLCIRCLE
Places a hole at a specified point. AMCENCRHOLE
Places a centerline cross on a circle. AMCENCRINHOLE
Places a centerline cross at a specified point. AMCENCROSS
Places holes at the corners of a closed contour
that represents a plate.
AMCENCRPLATE
Draws a centerline in between two lines to
mark them as symmetrical.
AMCENINBET
Inserts a centerhole from the content library. AMCENTERHOLE2D
Draws a centerline at a specified place in the
drawing area.
AMCENTLINE
Draws a chain or belt links along a polyline. AMCHAINDRAW
Calculates the required length of a chain or
belt when you trace the path of the chain or
belt.
AMCHAINLENGTHCAL
Connects two non-parallel objects by extend-
ing or trimming them to intersect or to join
with a beveled line.
AMCHAM2D
Command Summary | 17
Description Command Name Icon
Creates dimensions for chamfers. AMCHAM2D_DIM
Defines content hatch objects in templates for
part or feature views.
AMCHATCH
Edits an existing content hatch object. AMCHATCHEDIT
Highlights or edits dimensions with dimension
text overrides.
AMCHECKDIM
Displays the Content Editor Layers dialog box. AMCLAYER
Inserts a clevis pin from the content library. AMCLEVISPIN2D
Locks or unlocks construction line layers. AMCLINEL
Locks or unlocks the construction line layer. AMCLINEL
Freezes or thaws construction line layers. AMCLINEO
Closes the Content Editor. AMCLOSE
Performs a spring calculation and inserts a
compression spring in the drawing area.
AMCOMP2D
Draws a construction line circle. AMCONST_CIRCLE
18 | Chapter 2 Commands in AutoCAD Mechanical
Description Command Name Icon
Draws a construction line circle that uses a
specified line as a tangent.
AMCONSTC2
Draws a construction line circle that is concent-
ric to a specified circle.
AMCONSTCC
Draws a construction line circle to represent
a top view of a shaft or hole.
AMCONSTCCREA
Draws a construction line rectangle around a
circle.
AMCONSTCIRCLI
Draws a construction line cross. AMCONSTCRS
Draws a construction line when you specify
two points or a point and an angle.
AMCONSTHB
Draws a construction line that bisects an
angle.
AMCONSTHM
Draws a horizontal construction line. AMCONSTHOR
Draws a construction line through a point, by
specifying an angle relative to an apparent
line that goes through that point.
AMCONSTHW
Draws a construction line that is tangential to
two specified circles.
AMCONSTKR
Draws construction lines. AMCONSTLINES
Draws a construction line that is perpendicular
to a specified line.
AMCONSTLOT
Command Summary | 19
Description Command Name Icon
Draws a construction line through a specified
point that is a perpendicular to the direction
specified by another point or angle.
AMCONSTLOT2
Draws a construction line parallel to an exist-
ing line at a specified distance.
AMCONSTPAR
Draws a construction line parallel to an exist-
ing line and bisects the distance between the
AMCONSTPAR2
selected line and a specified point or a spe-
cified distance.
Switches between construction lines that ex-
tend to infinity in both directions or lines that
extend in one direction only.
AMCONSTSWI
Draws two parallel construction lines that are
tangential to a specified circle.
AMCONSTTAN
Draws two construction lines that are tangen-
tial to two specified circles.
AMCONSTTC
Draws a vertical construction line. AMCONSTVER
Draws a construction line through a point,
which extends to infinity in both directions.
AMCONSTXLINE
Draws a construction line starting from a point
and extends to infinity in one direction.
AMCONSTXRAY
Draws a construction line along the z axis. AMCONSTZ
Creates new content from scratch, the current
drawing, or by selecting a block definition in
the current drawing.
AMCONTENTADD
20 | Chapter 2 Commands in AutoCAD Mechanical
Description Command Name Icon
Edits the template of the selected view when
a Content Library part or feature on a drawing
is selected.
AMCONTENTEDIT
Displays the Content Libraries. AMCONTENTLIB
Opens the Content Libraries for selection and
insertion of content.
AMCONTENTLIB
Migrates Vario libraries to the current release
of AutoCAD Mechanical.
AMCONTENTLIB-
MIGRATE
Displays the Content Manager. AMCONTENTMANAGER
Migrates legacy Vario parts and features to
the current AutoCAD Mechanical format.
AMCONTENTMIGRATE
Creates a closed polyline that traces the inner
contour of an enclosed area.
AMCONTIN
Creates a closed polyline that traces the outer
contour of an enclosed area.
AMCONTOUT
Creates a closed contour that traces the con-
tour of an area by letting you specify the
boundaries segment by segment.
AMCONTRACE
Changes layers properties (layer name, color,
linetype, lineweight) to that specified in a
Conversion Control file (CCF file).
AMCONVDWG
Copies objects on one or more layer groups
to a new layer group.
AMCOPYLG
Performs copy, rotate, and move operations
on specified objects, in sequence
AMCOPYRM
Command Summary | 21
Description Command Name Icon
Copies, then moves, and then rotates the
specified objects.
AMCOPYRM_MR
Copies, then rotates specified objects. AMCOPYRM_R
Copies, then rotates, and then moves specified
objects.
AMCOPYRM_RM
Copies a drawing view to the same layout or
to a different layout.
AMCOPYVIEW
Inserts a cotter pin from the content library. AMCOTTERPIN2D
Inserts a counterbore from the content library. AMCOUNTB2D
Inserts a countersink from the content library. AMCOUNTS2D
Places one content part reference in a view. AMCPARTREF
Inserts a countersunk rivet from the content
library.
AMCRIVET2D
Saves the current view. AMCSAVE
Saves the current view in Content Editor to a
different name.
AMCSAVEAS
Displays the Content Settings dialog box. AMCSETTINGS
Navigates between views. AMCSWITCHVIEW
Displays the Family Table. AMCTABLE
22 | Chapter 2 Commands in AutoCAD Mechanical
Description Command Name Icon
Closes the Family Table. AMCTABLECLOSE
Creates content families by attaching a Family
Table to parts or features.
AMCTABLETOGGLE
Tests the view of the part or feature being
authored in its current state.
AMCTESTCONTENT
Inserts a cylindrical pin from the content lib-
rary.
AMCYLPIN2D
Creates a datum identification symbol and,
attaches it to an object in the drawing area.
AMDATUMID
Creates a datum target symbol and, attaches
it to an object in the drawing area.
AMDATUMTGT
Creates a dead joint symbol. AMDEADJOINT
Calculates and draws the deflection line or
moment line of a beam that is subject to vari-
ous forces.
AMDEFLINE
Deletes a drawing view. AMDELVIEW
Create a scaled circular, rectangular, or free
defined detail view of selected geometry.
AMDETAIL
Lines up linear, ordinate, or angular dimen-
sions, with a dimension you select as the
baseline.
AMDIMALIGN
Rearranges linear and ordinate dimensions,
placing them at an appropriate distance from
the outer contour of an object you select.
AMDIMARRANGE
Command Summary | 23
Description Command Name Icon
Creates breaks in dimensions at specific points
or at points where the dimensions cross other
objects.
AMDIMBREAK
Splits a linear or angular dimension into two
individual dimensions.
AMDIMINSERT
Combines two individual dimensions (of the
same type) into a single dimension.
AMDIMJOIN
Edits multiple dimensions simultaneously. AMDIMMEDIT
Resizes objects by stretching or shrinking a
linear or symmetric dimension.
AMDIMSTRETCH
Inserts a drill bushing from the content library. AMDRBUSH2D
Inserts a drill bushing and the corresponding
hole, from the content library.
AMDRBUSHHOLE2D
Creates a drawing view for an Inventor linked
drawing.
AMDWGVIEW
Creates an edge symbol and, attaches it to an
object in the drawing area.
AMEDGESYM
Provides the ability to modify attributes of a
drawing view.
AMEDITVIEW
Erases all construction lines. AMERASEALLCL
Erases selected construction lines. AMERASECL
24 | Chapter 2 Commands in AutoCAD Mechanical
Description Command Name Icon
Converts mechanical structure objects to non-
mechanical structure objects. When used on
AMEXPLODE
non-mechanical structure objects, breaks a
compound object into its component objects.
Performs a spring calculation and inserts a
compression spring in the drawing area.
AMEXT2D
Inserts an external thread from the content
library.
AMEXTHREAD2D
Creates a feature control frame symbol and,
attaches it to an object in the drawing.
AMFCFRAME
Performs a Finite Element Analysis on a two-
dimensional object that is subject to a static
load.
AMFEA2D
Creates a feature identification symbol and
attaches it to an object in the drawing area.
AMFEATID
Rounds and fillets the edges of objects with
an arc of a specified radius.
AMFILLET2D
Generates a fits list from the dimensions in the
drawing area and enables you to place at a
location of your choice.
AMFITSLIST
Inserts a circlips and draws the corresponding
groove on a shaft.
AMGROOVE2D
Inserts a grooved drive stud from the content
library.
AMGROOVESTUD2D
Fills an enclosed area with a 135-degree, 11
mm/0.4" hatch.
AMHATCH_135_11
Command Summary | 25
Description Command Name Icon
Fills an enclosed area with a 135-degree, 2.7
mm/0.12" hatch.
AMHATCH_135_2
Fills an enclosed area with a 135-degree, 4.7
mm/0.19" hatch.
AMHATCH_135_4
Fills an enclosed area with a 45-degree, 13
mm/0.5" hatch.
AMHATCH_45_13
Fills an enclosed area with a 45-degree, 2.5
mm/0.1" hatch.
AMHATCH_45_2
Fills an enclosed area with a 45-degree, 5
mm/0.22" hatch.
AMHATCH_45_5
Fills an enclosed area with a 45 and 135 de-
gree, 2.3 mm/0.09 cross hatch.
AMHATCH_DBL
Displays AutoCAD Mechanical online help. AMHELP
Creates coordinate dimensions for holes in a
work piece, dimensions the size of those holes,
and generates a hole chart for that work piece.
AMHOLECHART
Calculates the moment of inertial of a closed
contour.
AMINERTIA
Calculates the moment of inertia for cross
sections of cylinders, hollow cylinders, rectan-
gular prisms, or hollow rectangular prisms.
AMINERTIAPROF
Creates an Autodesk Inventor linked file. AMIVCOMPONLY
Connects non parallel lines, polylines, arcs,
and circles.
AMJOIN
26 | Chapter 2 Commands in AutoCAD Mechanical
Description Command Name Icon
Translates text in the drawing to another lan-
guage.
AMLANGCONV
Display a list of text strings for which transla-
tions are available and enables you to insert
them into your drawing.
AMLANGTEXT
Displays the AutoCAD Mechanical Launchpad. AMLAUNCHPAD
Displays the Mechanical Layer Manager, which
enables you to manage layers and mechanical
layer definitions.
AMLAYER
Displays the Layergroup Manager, which al-
lows you to manage layergroups, layers, and
their properties.
AMLAYERGROUP
Toggles the visibility of the layer assigned to
invisible lines (AM_INV).
AMLAYINVO
Moves objects from one layer to another. AMLAYMOVE
Move objects that lie on standard parts layers
(layers AM_0N to AM_12, by default) to the
AMLAYMOVEPL
corresponding working layers (layers AM_0 to
AM_12, by default).
Move objects that lie on working layers (layers
AM_0 to AM_12, by default) to the corres-
AMLAYMOVEWL
ponding standard part layers (layers AM_0N
to AM_12N, by default).
Toggles the visibility of the standard part layers
(AM_0N to AM_12N, by default).
AMLAYPARTO
Toggles the visibility of the layer assigned to
part references (AM_PAREF, by default).
AMLAYPARTREFO
Command Summary | 27
Description Command Name Icon
Resets properties of all mechanical layers to
be identical to the corresponding layer defini-
tion.
AMLAYRESET
Toggles the visibility of the layer assigned to
title blocks and drawing borders (AM_BOR,
be default)).
AMLAYTIBLO
Displays the Visibility Enhancements dialog
box, which allows you to visually differentiate
AMLAYVISENH
between the active layergroup and inactive
ones.
Toggles the visibility of the layer assigned to
viewport borders (AM_VIEWS, by default).
AMLAYVPO
Moves the selected objects to a specified lay-
ergroup.
AMLGMOVE
Displays the Library dialog box, which enables
you to organize drawing files to retrieve and
reuse them more efficiently.
AMLIBRARY
Lists information about a selected view. AMLISTVIEW
Inserts a lubricator from the content library. AMLUBRI2D
Displays the Power Manipulator, a tool that
enables you to rotate move and copy objects
by dragging.
AMMANIPULATE
Creates a marking symbol and attaches it to
an object in the drawing area.
AMMARKSTAMP
Makes contours that are hidden by construc-
tion lines visible.
AMMCONTV
28 | Chapter 2 Commands in AutoCAD Mechanical
Description Command Name Icon
Switches between model space and paper
space.
AMMODE
Moves dimensions within a view or between
views, while maintaining their association to
the drawing view geometry.
AMMOVEDIM
Moves a drawing view to another location
within the same layout or to another layout.
AMMOVEVIEW
Creates a leader note and, attaches it to an
object in the drawing area.
AMNOTE
Inserts a nut from the content library. AMNUT2D
Creates concentric circles, parallel lines, and
parallel curves.
AMOFFSET
Creates a parts list and enables you to place
it in the drawing area.
AMPARTLIST
Creates a part reference and places it in the
drawing area.
AMPARTREF
Edits a part reference. AMPARTREFEDIT
Inserts a plain bearing on a shaft. AMPLBEAR2D
Inserts the current date in the lower right
corner of all title blocks in the drawing.
AMPLOTDATE
Inserts a plain rivet from the content library. AMPLRIVET2D
Command Summary | 29
Description Command Name Icon
Inserts a plug from the content library. AMPLUG2D
Produces an identical copy of a specified ob-
ject.
AMPOWERCOPY
Creates multiple types of dimensions within a
single command session and provides the
AMPOWERDIM
ability to specify tolerances or fits as appropri-
ate.
Creates aligned linear dimensions. AMPOWERDIM_ALI
Creates angular dimensions. AMPOWERDIM_ANG
Creates arc length dimensions for arcs and arc
segments on a polyline.
AMPOWERDIM_ARCLEN
Creates a linear or angular dimension from
the first extension line of a selected dimension.
AMPOWERDIM_BAS
Creates a linear, angular, or arc length dimen-
sion from the second extension line of a selec-
ted dimension.
AMPOWERDIM_CHAIN
Creates diameter dimensions for arcs and
circles.
AMPOWERDIM_DIA
Creates horizontal linear dimensions. AMPOWERDIM_HOR
30 | Chapter 2 Commands in AutoCAD Mechanical
Description Command Name Icon
Create a radius dimension with the origin of
the dimension at any location you wish and
AMPOWERDIM_JOG
a jog at a convenient location along the dimen-
sion line.
Creates radius dimensions for arcs and circles. AMPOWERDIM_RAD
Creates rotated linear dimensions. AMPOWERDIM_ROT
Creates vertical linear dimensions. AMPOWERDIM_VER
Recognizes any object you select and invokes
the most appropriate command to edit it.
AMPOWEREDIT
Erases AutoCAD Mechanical objects cleanly
and heals the surrounding area.
AMPOWERERASE
Recognizes the object you select and invokes
the command that it was created with.
AMPOWERRECALL
Displays the Power Snap Settings dialog box,
to enable you to set the running object snap
modes.
AMPOWERSNAP
Creates a top view from a side view of a
standard part and vice versa.
AMPOWERVIEW
Creates projection lines to assist you create
orthographic views.
AMPROJO
Command Summary | 31
Description Command Name Icon
Sets the running object snap modes to the
settings saved as Power Snap Configuration
Setting 1.
AMPSNAP1
Sets the running object snap modes to the
settings saved as Power Snap Configuration
Setting 2.
AMPSNAP2
Sets the running object snap modes to the
settings saved as Power Snap Configuration
Setting 3.
AMPSNAP3
Sets the running object snap modes to the
settings saved as Power Snap Configuration
Setting 4.
AMPSNAP4
Snaps to the center of a rectangle, when in-
voked from within another command.
AMPSNAPCEN
Switches entity filters on or off. AMPSNAPFILTERO
Snaps to a point on the apparent line between
two specified points, when invoked from
within another command.
AMPSNAPMID
Snaps to a point relative to a specified point,
when invoked from within another command.
AMPSNAPREL
Snaps to the apparent intersection of two non-
parallel lines, when invoked from within anoth-
er command.
AMPSNAPVINT
Toggles snapping to Z axis coordinates on or
off.
AMPSNAPZO
Draws rectangle using a closed polyline. AMRECTANG
32 | Chapter 2 Commands in AutoCAD Mechanical
Description Command Name Icon
Creates a rectangle by using the middle of the
base as the start point, and by specifying the
full base and full height.
AMRECTBWH
Creates a rectangle by using the middle of the
base as the start point, and by specifying the
full base and half of the height.
AMRECTBWH2
Creates a rectangle by using the middle of the
base as the start point, and specifying a corner
point.
AMRECTBY
Creates a rectangle by selecting the center as
start point, and by defining half base and full
height.
AMRECTCW2H
Creates a rectangle by using the center of the
rectangle as the start point, and specifying
half of the base and half of the height.
AMRECTCW2H2
Creates a rectangle by selecting the center of
the rectangle as the start point, and by specify-
ing the full base and full height.
AMRECTCWH
Creates a rectangle by using the center of the
rectangle as the start point, and specifying the
full base and half of the height.
AMRECTCWH2
Creates a rectangle by using the center of the
rectangle as the start point, and specifying a
corner.
AMRECTCY
Creates a rectangle by using the midpoint of
the height as the start point, and specifying
the full base and full height.
AMRECTLWH
Creates a rectangle by selecting the height
middle as start point, and by defining full base
and half height.
AMRECTLWH2
Command Summary | 33
Description Command Name Icon
Creates a rectangle by using the middle of the
height as the start point, and specifying the
opposite corner.
AMRECTLY
Creates a square by selecting the base middle
as starting point, and by defining full base.
AMRECTQBT
Creates a square by selecting the base middle
as starting point, and by defining half base.
AMRECTQBY
Creates a square by selecting the center as
starting point, and by defining half base.
AMRECTQCR
Creates a square by selecting the center as
starting point, and by defining full base.
AMRECTQCW
Creates a square by selecting the height
middle as starting point, and by defining full
base.
AMRECTQLR
Creates a square by selecting the height
middle as starting point, and by defining half
base.
AMRECTQLY
Creates a square by selecting the starting
point, and by defining full base.
AMRECTQXY
Creates a rectangle by using a corner of the
rectangle as the start point, and specifying the
full base and full height.
AMRECTXWH
Turns revisions on or off. AMREV
Adds a revision line to a revisions list. AMREVLINE
34 | Chapter 2 Commands in AutoCAD Mechanical
Description Command Name Icon
Updates the revision block. AMREVUPDATE
Inserts a roller bearing on a shaft. AMROLBEAR2D
Makes the specified component view or folder
the active edit target.
AMSACTIVATE
Changes the basepoint of a component view
or folder.
AMSBASE
Sets scale of X and Y axes independently of
each other.
AMSCALEXY
Creates a scale area in model space. AMSCAREA
Displays the Structure Catalog. AMSCATALOG
Displays the scale of a scale area or viewport. AMSCMONITOR
Saves a copy of the definition of the selected
structure object to another name.
AMSCOPYDEF
Creates a new component, component view,
folder or annotation view.
AMSCREATE
Inserts a screw or bolt from the content library. AMSCREW2D
Calculates factors of safety for parts of a screw
connection.
AMSCREWCALC
Command Summary | 35
Description Command Name Icon
Inserts an entire fastening assembly using
items from the content library.
AMSCREWCON2D
Inserts an entire fastener assembly using items
predefined on a template.
AMSCREWMACRO2D
Generates Scripts to apply a specified opera-
tion on selected drawings or entire folders.
AMSCRIPT
Inserts a sealing ring from the content library. AMSEALRING2D
Inserts a seal or O-ring and draws the corres-
ponding groove on a shaft.
AMSEALS2D
Draws a section line inserts the corresponding
section view label in the drawing area.
AMSECTIONLINE
Adds, removes, or copies geometry to the
currently activated folder or component view.
AMSEDIT
Imports the drafting standards and the depend-
ant settings from a template file.
AMSETUPDWG
Starts the Shaft Generator utility. AMSHAFT2D
Calculate deflection lines, bending moments,
torsion moments, and factors of safety for
shafts and axles put under static loads.
AMSHAFTCALC
Draws a break line on a shaft to indicate a
shaft end.
AMSHAFTEND
Inserts a parallel or woodruff key on a shaft. AMSHAFTKEY2D
36 | Chapter 2 Commands in AutoCAD Mechanical
Description Command Name Icon
Inserts a shaft lock nut and a lock washer on
a threaded segment of a shaft.
AMSHAFTLNUT2D
Draws hidden lines to represent hidden edges,
when you specify what objects lie in front and
what objects lie behind.
AMSHIDE
Edits a hide situation created with the AM-
SHIDE command.
AMSHIDEEDIT
Inserts a shim ring on a shaft. AMSHIMRING2D
Draws seam and fillet welds on ellipses, circles,
arcs, lines and polylines.
AMSIMPLEWELD
Inserts an instance of a component, compon-
ent view or folder, that is already defined in
the drawing.
AMSINSERT
Turns the Design Navigation Mode on or off. AMSNAVMODE
Creates a new mechanical structure definition
from selected objects.
AMSNEW
Inserts the front view of a sprocket or pulley
from the content library.
AMSPROCKET
Removes unused definitions of mechanical
structure objects from the drawing.
AMSPURGE
Replaces the definition of selected instances
of a component view or folder, with another
definition.
AMSREPLACEDEF
Command Summary | 37
Description Command Name Icon
Switches between the top-down and bottom-
up geometry selection modes.
AMSSMODE
Displays the Content Manager. AMSTDPLIBEDIT
NOTE This command is superseded by the
AMCONTENTMANAGER command.
Defines how selected parts and features from
the content library are represented in the
drawing.
AMSTDPREP
Inserts a steel shape from the content library. AMSTLSHAP2D
Imports dimension styles from another draw-
ing.
AMSTYLEI
Changes the text style to italics. AMSTYLEITAL
Changes the text style to italics. AMSTYLEITAL
Sets the current text style to SIMPLEX. AMSTYLESIMP
Sets the current text style to SIMPLEX. AMSTYLESIMP
Sets the current text style to STANDARD. AMSTYLESTAND
Sets the current text style to USER1. AMSTYLETEXT
Creates a surface texture symbol and attaches
it to an object in the drawing area.
AMSURFSYM
38 | Chapter 2 Commands in AutoCAD Mechanical
Description Command Name Icon
Adds or removes leaders and leader segments
to/from a symbol.
AMSYMLEADER
Draws symmetrical polylines. AMSYMLINE
Inserts a tapped blind hole from the content
library.
AMTAPBHOLE2D
Inserts a taper pin from the content library. AMTAPERPIN2D
Creates a taper or slope symbol. AMTAPERSYM
Inserts a tapered hole that contains external
threads.
AMTAPETHREAD2D
Inserts a tapered hole that contains internal
threads.
AMTAPITHREAD2D
Inserts a tapped through hole from the con-
tent library.
AMTAPTHOLE2D
Closes the Test Content Window and returns
you to the Content Editor.
AMTESTCON-
TENTCLOSE
Inserts the content being tested. AMTESTCONTENTIN-
SERT
Creates a multiline text object of 3.5 mm
height.
AMTEXT3
Creates a multiline text object of 5 mm height. AMTEXT5
Command Summary | 39
Description Command Name Icon
Creates a multiline text object of 7 mm height. AMTEXT7
Creates a multiline text object that is centered
horizontally and vertically.
AMTEXTCENT
Creates a center justified multiline text object
that is aligned to the bottom of the specified
area.
AMTEXTHORIZ
Creates a right justified multiline text object
that is aligned to the bottom of the specified
area.
AMTEXTRIGHT
Inserts a through hole from the content lib-
rary.
AMTHOLE2D
Inserts a thread end from the content library. AMTHREADEND2D
Inserts a drawing border with a title block. AMTITLE
Performs a spring calculation and inserts a
torsion spring in the drawing area.
AMTOR2D
Traces contours on construction lines or con-
struction line circles.
AMTRCONT
Inserts a through slot from the content library. AMTSLOT2D
Inserts an undercut on a shaft. AMUNDERCUT2D
40 | Chapter 2 Commands in AutoCAD Mechanical
Description Command Name Icon
Updates the specified drawing view to reflect
the modifications made to the model.
AMUPDATE
Fills an enclosed area with a user-defined hatch
pattern.
AMUSERHATCH
Migrates the schema of the selected VAL file
format to the current AutoCAD Mechanical
format.
AMVALMIGRATE
Creates the named view AM_VIEW6 and loads
it.
AMVIEWALL
Creates the named view AM_VIEW5 and loads
it.
AMVIEWCEN
Creates the named view AM_VIEW3 and loads
it.
AMVIEWLL
Creates the named view AM_VIEW4 and loads
it.
AMVIEWLR
Exports drawing views to an AutoCAD drawing
file.
AMVIEWOUT
Creates the named view AM_VIEW1 and loads
it.
AMVIEWUL
Creates the named view AM_VIEW2 and loads
it.
AMVIEWUR
Displays the Desktop Visibility dialog box to
enable you to selectively display/hide objects.
AMVISIBLE
Creates viewports for all scale areas that are
not associated with a viewport.
AMVPORTAUTO
Resets all viewports to their default scale
factors.
AMVPZOOMALL
Command Summary | 41
Description Command Name Icon
Inserts a washer from the content library. AMWASHER2D
Creates a welding symbol and attaches it to
the weld point.
AMWELDSYM
Displays the Xref Processing dialog box to
enable you to specify how xref entities are
displayed.
AMXREFSET
Draws a zigzag line. AMZIGZAGLINE
Zooms an area in a viewport. AMZOOMVP
42 | Chapter 2 Commands in AutoCAD Mechanical
Design and Annotation
Tools
The tutorials in this section teach you how to use the tools in AutoCAD
Mechanical for
design, annotation, and productivity. The lessons include step-by-step instructions and helpful
illustrations. You learn how to work with templates and layers, mechanical structure, model
space and layouts, dimensions, steel shapes, bills of material (BOMs) and parts lists. Instructions
on how to prepare your designs for final documentation are also included.
43
44
Working with Templates
In this tutorial, you learn about the predefined templates and how to create your own
user-defined templates in AutoCAD
Mechanical.
Key Terms
Definition Term
A layer made up of working layers and standard parts layers. Base
layers are repeated in every layer group.
base layer
A group of associated or related items in a drawing. A major advantage
of working with layer groups is that you can deactivate a specific
layer group
layer group and a complete component. The drawing and its overview
are enhanced with a reduction in regeneration time.
A layer where the standard parts are put. All standard parts layers
have the suffix AM_*N.
part layers
A file with predefined settings to use for new drawings. However, any
drawing can be used as a template.
template
The layer where you are currently working. working layer
Working with Templates
In AutoCAD Mechanical, you can use templates (*.dwt files) to create drawings.
Predefined templates, which contain settings for various drawings, such as
am_iso.dwt or am_ansi.dwt, are supplied with AutoCAD Mechanical. You can
3
45
create your own templates, or use any drawing as a template. When you use
a drawing as a template, the settings in that drawing are used in the new
drawing.
Although you can save any drawing as a template, prepare templates to include
settings and drawing elements that are consistent with your company or
project standards, such as the following items:
unit type and precision
drawing limits
snap, grid, and ortho settings
layer organization
title blocks, borders, and logos
dimension and text styles
linetypes and lineweights
If you start a drawing from scratch, AutoCAD Mechanical reads the system
defaults from the registry. The system defaults have a predefined standard.
If you create a drawing based on an existing template and make changes to
the drawing, those changes do not affect the template.
To begin working with templates immediately, you can use the predefined
template files.
However, for this tutorial you create your own template.
Setting Mechanical Options
In the Options dialog box, you can specify general settings for AutoCAD
Mechanical, Autodesk
Mechanical Desktop
, and AutoCAD
Mechanical. You
learn how to work with folders, components and component views. You also review the bill
of materials, restructure components and resolve ghost components. You learn how to insert
components from external files, edit in-place, localize external components and externalize
local components.
Key Terms
Definition Term
A folder that contains one or more component views dedicated
to annotating and detailing parts and subassemblies.
annotation view
In mechanical structure, the implication that a change to one
instance of a definition is reflected in all other instances of that
definition, including the definition itself.
associative
A browser that contains the hierarchy of components, compon-
ent views, annotation views, and folders of a given mechanical
structure.
mechanical browser
A browser placeholder and identification for the component
type. A component is analogous to the manufacturing units of
parts and assemblies.
component
A folder nested under a component that contains the geometry
for a particular view of that component.
component view
folder
4
53
Definition Term
A description of a folder, component, or view that AutoCAD
Mechanical saves in the database, similar to a block definition.
definition
The graphical elements of a drawing that represent the shape
and size of a part or assembly.
elemental geometry
A unit of elemental geometry. free object (as used
in the Create Hide
Situation dialog box)
The graphical elements of a drawing that represent the shape
and size of a part or assembly.
geometry
Geometry that is included in a hide situation. hidden geometry
An iteration of a definition as it appears in mechanical structure. instance
Used variously to describe any item in mechanical structure,
whether a component, folder, or geometry.
object
Placement of a component, usually in multiple-level assemblies,
where a component is replicated as a result of multiple place-
ments of a single part or subassembly.
occurrence
Working with Mechanical Structure
Mechanical structure is a set of tools used to organize data for reuse. Structure
is graphically represented by a tree called the Mechanical Browser.
54 | Chapter 4 Using Mechanical Structure
The Mechanical Browser and structure tools are not displayed by default. To
display them, you must switch to the structure workspace. First, you must
create a new drawing and enable mechanical structure.
To display the Mechanical Browser
1 On the command line, enter WORKSPACE and press ENTER.
2 Respond to the prompts as shown:
Enter workspace option
[setCurrent/SAveas/Edit/Rename/Delete/SEttings/?]:
Enter C and press ENTER
Enter name of workspace to make current [?] <Current Workspace>:
Enter Structure and press ENTER
Even though you switch to the Structure Workspace, mechanical structure is
not switched on automatically.
To enable mechanical structure
Click the STRUCT status bar button and ensure that it lights up.
Working with Mechanical Structure | 55
Folders
The basic element of mechanical structure is the folder. A folder is similar to
a block in that it has a definition that can be instanced multiple times. Like
a block, the definition is stored away in the non graphical area of the drawing.
Similar to blocks, any change you make to the folder definition is reflected in
all instances of that folder.
Creating Folders
1 Use the Circle tool to create a circle. The size and proportions are not
important.
2 Use the Rectangle tool to draw a rectangle around the circle.
3 Right-click anywhere in the browser, and select New Folder.
4 Respond to the prompts as shown:
Enter folder name <Folder1>: Press ENTER
Select objects for new folder:
Select the circle and then the rectangle and press ENTER
Specify base point: Pick the lower left corner of the rectangle
Modifying Folders
While folders are similar to blocks, there are significant differences. The most
significant, is that the contents of a folder remain editable without the need
for a special editing mode such as REFEDIT.
56 | Chapter 4 Using Mechanical Structure
To grip edit the circle
1 Continue clicking the circle until you see the word CIRCLE in the tooltip
window.
2 Select a grip, drag and then click.
If the contents of a folder are selectable, how do you select the folder? This is
where the tooltip comes in. You select folders (and other elements of structure)
by cycling through a selection, and the tooltip tells you what you are selecting.
In the next exercise, you copy the folder to demonstrate structure selection.
To copy the folder
1 Press ESC to clear any preselection.
2 On the command line, enter COPY and press ENTER.
3 Continue clicking the circle until you see the word Folder1:1 in the tooltip
window.
4 Press ENTER to complete selection, then pick points to finish the copy.
5 Press ESC to finish.
Modifying Folders | 57
The Mechanical Browser shows a second instance of the folder (Folder1:2),
implying that you copied the folder, not just the contents.
In the next exercise you modify the contents of a folder to demonstrate that
modifying one instance of a folder updates both.
To edit an instance
1 Continue clicking a circle until you see the word CIRCLE in the tooltip
window.
2 Press DELETE. Note how the circle is deleted from both instances.
Next, you add new geometry to a folder. Before you add geometry you must
activate the folder to make it the active edit target. This ensures that geometry
is added to the folder and not to model space.
To activate and add geometry
1 In the browser, right-click Folder1:1 and select Activate. The geometry
that does not belong to this folder is dimmed out.
2 Use LINE to draw two diagonal lines from corner to corner on the
rectangle. Note that the lines appear in the other instance as soon as the
command is completed.
58 | Chapter 4 Using Mechanical Structure
3 Double-click a vacant area in the browser to reset activation.
Nesting Folders
Like blocks, folders can be nested. However, a folder cannot be nested within
itself, which is about the only restriction on folder nesting.
1 Draw a small circle in the lower triangle in the second instance of the
folder.
2 Draw a line from the center of the circle to the 3 oclock quadrant of the
circle.
3 In the browser, right-click Folder1:2 and select New Folder.
4 Respond to the prompts as shown:
Enter folder name <Folder2>: Press ENTER
Select objects for new folder:
Nesting Folders | 59
Select the circle and then the line, press ENTER
Specify base point: Select the center of the circle.
5 Expand Folder1:1 and Folder 1:2 and verify that a nested folder was
created.
6 In the browser, right-click Folder1:2 again and select Insert Folder.
7 Respond to the prompts as below:
Enter folder name to insert or [?] <?>: Enter Folder2, press ENTER
Specify the insertion point or [change Base point/Rotate 90]:
Click in the triangle on the right, in the second instance of Folder1
Specify rotation angle <0>: Enter 45, press ENTER
60 | Chapter 4 Using Mechanical Structure
Notice that when you added the nested folders, both instances updated,
as when you added the lines. Folder2:1 was created as a child of Folder1:2
because we chose New Folder from its context menu, and Folder2:2 was
inserted into Folder1:2 for the same reason. Note that as with blocks, you
were able to rotate the folder instance on insertion.
Instance vs. Occurrence
To finish with folders, you inspect a few browser functions such as visibility
and property overrides. While performing these exercises you learn the
difference between instances and occurrences.
To override properties
1 In the browser, right-click Folder1:1 and select Property Overrides.
2 In the Property Overrides dialog box, select the Override Properties check
box.
3 Select the Color check box, The default color changes to red.
4 Click OK.
Note how the entire instance, inclusive of the nested folders is now red.
Also note how the color change did not have an effect on Folder1:2.
5 In the browser, right-click Folder1:1 again, and select Property Overrides
6 In the Property Overrides dialog box, clear the Enable overrides check
box, and click OK.
7 In the browser, right click Folder1:1 Folder2:1 and select property
overrides.
8 Apply a color override of red to the folder.
Instance vs. Occurrence | 61
The subfolder you selected is now red, but the other subfolder is not.
Notice that the same subfolder under Folder1:2 has changed color to red.
This is because property overrides are instance-based. When you look at
visibility you will understand why this matters.
To apply visibility overrides
1 In the browser, right-click Folder1:1 and select Visible. The entire folder
is now invisible.
2 In the browser, right-click Folder1:1 and select Visible. The folder is visible
again.
3 In the browser, right-click Folder1:1\Folder2:2 and select Visible. Notice
that unlike the property overrides, both instances of Folder2 are visible
in Folder1:2. That's because visibility is occurrence-based.
Selection Modes
There are three status bar buttons that control the different selection modes.
These buttons are not visible by default and you must display them first.
To display the selection mode status bar buttons
1 Click the Drawing Status Bar Menu arrow at the right end of the drawing
status bar.
62 | Chapter 4 Using Mechanical Structure
2 Turn on the Status Toggles S-LOCK, Status Toggles R-LOCK and
Status Toggles Top Down/Bottom up options.
Function Button
Switches the structure selection order between bottom-up and
top-down.
BTM-UP/TOP-DN
Switches the Reference Lock on and off. When the Reference Lock
is on, you cannot select entities in an external folder or view (more
on this later).
R-LOCK
Switches the Selection Lock on and off. When the Selection Lock
is on, selection is restricted to the active edit target and below.
S-LOCK
The next two exercises demonstrate the behavior of the BTM-UP/TOP-DN and
S-LOCK selection modes.
To select items when the selection mode is set to top-down
1 Press ESC to clear any preselection.
2 Click the BTM-UP/TOP-DN button and ensure that the text on the button
reads TOP-DN.
3 Click one of the circles in Folder1:1. Note the tooltip indicates that you
selected the folder, Folder1:1, and not the circle.
4 Click the circle again. Note the tooltip indicates that you selected the
nested folder.
5 Click the circle again. Note the tooltip indicates that you have finally
managed to select the circle.
6 Click the circle again. Selection cycles to Folder1:1 again.
When the selection mode is set to top-down, the selection sequence begins
at the topmost level and ends with the elemental geometry. When the selection
mode is set to bottom-up the selection begins with the elemental geometry.
You may want to set the selection mode and repeat the exercise to verify the
behavior of the selection modes under the bottom-up.
To select items when S-LOCK is on
1 Press ESC to clear any preselection.
Selection Modes | 63
2 In the browser, double-click Folder1:1 to activate it.
3 Click the S-LOCK button and latch it down to turn on the selection lock.
4 Click one of the circles in Folder1:2. Note that the circle is no longer
selectable.
5 Click one of the circles in Folder1:1. Grips appear, indicating that selection
is possible.
6 Double-click the root of the Mechanical Browser tree to reset activation.
7 Close the drawing. You can save the drawing, if required.
Components and Component Views
You may notice that folders provide some useful features, but they're probably
not different enough from blocks to convince you to change over to the
structure paradigm. The true potential of mechanical structure becomes visible
only when you start dealing with components and component views.
Component Views are basically folders with some extra rules that make them
more suitable for mechanical design. You typically need more than one view
to fully describe a part or assembly. Folders (and blocks before them) don't
offer any mechanism other than naming to associate multiple views of the
same part. Components and views solve this by allowing you to collect multiple
folders (component views) under a single Component.
A component can be a part or assembly, based on its contents (if a component
contains another component, it's an assembly). The component also gives
you a place to store attributes like description and material. Components don't
actually contain geometry; they group the views that contain the geometry.
This will begin to make more sense when you create some components and
component views.
Creating Part Components
1 Start a new drawing and draw a long thin rectangle (the edge view of a
plate).
2 Draw a second rectangle, above the first, having the same width (the top
view).
3 Right-click anywhere in the browser, and select New Component.
64 | Chapter 4 Using Mechanical Structure
4 Respond to the prompts as shown:
Enter new component name <COMP1>: Press ENTER
Enter new view name <Top>: Press ENTER
Select objects for new component view:
Select the larger rectangle and press ENTER
Specify base point: Pick the lower left corner of the rectangle
Note that the Mechanical Browser now displays the component COMP1:1
and that it contains the component view; Top, below it.
To add a new view to a component
1 In the browser, right-click COMP1:1 and select New Component
View.
2 Accept the default name for the component view.
3 Select the smaller rectangle and press ENTER.
4 To specify a base point, click the lower left corner of the rectangle. Note
that the new component view, Front, was added to the component
COMP1:1.
Creating Part Components | 65
Creating Assembly Components
You now have two component views; Front and Top, and they are grouped
together in the browser by COMP1:1. In the next exercise, you insert another
instance of COMP1 and assemble the two components (parts) in an L shape.
To insert a new instance of a component
1 In the browser, right-click a vacant area, and select Insert Component.
2 Respond to the prompts as shown:
Enter component name or [?] <?>: Enter COMP1 and press ENTER
Enter component view name or [?] <Top>: Enter Front and press ENTER
Specify the insertion point or [change Base point/Rotate
90/select next View]:
Pick point 1, the top left corner of the larger rectangle
Specify rotation angle <0>: Press ENTER
66 | Chapter 4 Using Mechanical Structure
3 In the browser, right-click COMP1:2 and select Insert Component
View Top.
4 Respond to the prompts as shown:
Specify the insertion point or [change Base point/Rotate
90/select next View]:
Pick point 2, the lower left corner of the front view of COMP1:1
Specify rotation angle <0>: Press ENTER.
To assemble components
1 Right-click anywhere In the browser, and select New Component.
Creating Assembly Components | 67
2 Respond to the prompts as shown:
Enter new component name <COMP2>: Enter ASSY and press ENTER
Enter new view name <Top>: Enter Front and press ENTER
Select objects for new component view:
Select COMP1:1 (Front) and COMP1:2 (Top) and press ENTER
To select a component view instead of the geometry, continue clicking
the geometry until you see the component view name in the tooltip
window. If you accidentally select the wrong view, you can cancel the
selection by selecting the view again with the SHIFT key pressed.
Specify base point: Pick the lower left corner of the combined view.
The Component Restructure dialog box is displayed.
3 In the Destination Components list, right-click a vacant area, and select
Create New View.
4 Respond to the prompts as shown:
Enter new view name <Top>: Press ENTER
Select objects for new component view:
Select COMP1:1 (Top) and COMP1:2 (Front), press ENTER
Specify base point: Pick the lower left corner of the combined view
68 | Chapter 4 Using Mechanical Structure
Modifying Assembly Components
As you work, you can continue to add views as needed. To demonstrate this,
in the next exercise, you add a side view of this assembly.
To add a component view
1 Draw a rectangle representing the side view of the first instance of COMP1.
2 In the browser, right-click ASSY:1 and select New Component View.
3 Respond to the prompts as follows:
Enter new view name <Right>: Enter Side and press ENTER
Select objects for new component view:
Dont pick anything, press ENTER
Specify base point: Pick the lower left corner of the rectangle
4 In the browser, right-click COMP1:1 and select New Component
View.
5 Respond to the prompts as shown:
Enter new view name <Right>: Enter Side, press ENTER
Specify parent view or [?] <Front>: Enter Side, press ENTER
Select objects for new component view:
Pick the rectangle and press ENTER
Modifying Assembly Components | 69
Specify base point: Pick the lower left corner of the rectangle
6 In the browser, right-click COMP1:2 and select Insert Component
View Side.
7 Respond to the prompts as shown:
Specify parent view or [?] <Front>: Enter Side, press ENTER
Specify the insertion point or [change Base point/Rotate
90/select next View]:
Enter R, press ENTER
Specify the insertion point or [change Base point/Rotate
90/select next View]:
Pick a place close to the other view
Specify rotation angle <90>: Press ENTER
8 Move the view into the correct position.
70 | Chapter 4 Using Mechanical Structure
In the next exercise, you add a component to the assembly to demonstrate
the ability to add a component after the assembly is created.
To add a component
1 Draw a circle on the top view of the assembly.
2 In the browser, right-click ASSY:1(Top) and select New Component.
3 Respond to the prompts as shown:
Enter new component name <COMP2>: Press ENTER
Enter new view name <Top>: Press ENTER
Select objects for new component view: Select the circle, press ENTER
Specify base point: Click the center of the circle
Modifying Assembly Components | 71
4 Draw a rectangle representing the projected view in the front view of the
assembly
5 Right-click COMP2:1 and select New Component View.
6 Respond to the prompts as shown:
Enter new view name <Front>: Enter Side, press ENTER
Specify parent view or [?] <Front>: Press ENTER
Select objects for new component view:
Select the rectangle, press ENTER
Specify base point: Pick the midpoint of the lower edge of the rectangle
72 | Chapter 4 Using Mechanical Structure
7 In the browser, right-click COMP2:1 and select Insert Component
View Side.
8 Respond to the prompts as shown:
Specify parent view or [?] <Front>: Enter Side, press ENTER
Select objects for new component view:
Select the rectangle, press ENTER
Specify the insertion point or [change Base point/Rotate
90/select next View]: Pick the midpoint of the lower rectangle in the Side
view of ASSY1
Using Folders with Component Views
When folders are used in conjunction with component views, you can do
several useful things. This section shows two examples.
You can use folders to contain drawing items that would otherwise not be
accounted for with a default component view folder.
In the following example, a folder, Groove:1, was created to contain the upper
groove and arrayed to create the others. Because the groove is implemented
as a folder, it does not have an impact on the BOM. Modifying one of the
grooves results in all grooves being updated.
Using Folders with Component Views | 73
In the following example, a folder, Profile:1, was created to contain the
upper-wheel profile. Profile:2 is another instance of this folder, created by
mirroring Profile:1. Changing one profile automatically updates the other.
The wheel component was created after the Profile folders. The design intent
is captured and organized with these folders.
Mechanical Browser Display Options
The Mechanical Browser shows the hierarchical organization of components
within a drawing. In this section, you use browser options to show data in
different ways to get a better understanding of components and component
views.
The default view of the Mechanical Browser shows the hierarchical organization
of components as well as indicates which component owns a given component
view.
74 | Chapter 4 Using Mechanical Structure
To show the View Tree and Component Tree
1 Right-click the root node of the Mechanical Browser and select Browser
Options.
2 In the View Tree section, select the Display Tree check box.
3 In the Component Tree section, clear the Component Views check box.
4 Click OK.
5 Right-click a vacant area in the Mechanical Browser and select Expand
All.
In this view, the hierarchy of components as well as views are shown.
Mechanical Browser Display Options | 75
To show both default and expandable assembly views
1 Right-click the root node of the Mechanical Browser and select Browser
Options.
2 In the Component Tree section, select the Component Views check box.
3 Click OK.
In this view, the Mechanical Browser shows the hierarchy of components,
component views as well as indicates which component owns a given
component view. In practice, you can work with the view settings that makes
most sense to you.
Mechanical Browser and BOMs
Components not only group component views, they hold bills of material
(BOM) attributes as well. In the next exercise, you insert a parts list and in the
process, explore the BOM of the simple assembly you created.
76 | Chapter 4 Using Mechanical Structure
To insert a parts list
1 On the command line, enter AMBOM.
2 Respond to the prompts as shown:
Specify BOM to create or set current [Main/?] <MAIN>: Press ENTER
3 In the BOM dialog box, click the plus sign (+) in the first column to
expand ASSY.
4 Click the Insert Parts list button on the toolbar of the BOM dialog box.
5 In the Parts List dialog box, click OK and click inside the drawing to
indicate where to insert the parts list.
6 In the BOM dialog box, click OK.
Mechanical Browser and BOMs | 77
By associating views through a single component, the BOM is managed
accurately and semi-automatically. You can manage component attributes
through the BOM editor or directly on the component from the
Mechanical Browser.
Browser Restructure and Ghost Components
In the next exercise you restructure COMP1:1 and COMP2:1 to be parts of an
assembly named SUB-ASSY. To do this, you must create SUB-ASSY first.
To create a component
1 Right-click a vacant area in the Mechanical Browser and choose New
Component.
2 Respond to the prompts as follows:
Enter new component name <COMP3>: Enter SUB-ASSY, press ENTER
Enter new view name <Top>: Press ENTER
78 | Chapter 4 Using Mechanical Structure
Select objects for new component view:
Select COMP1:1 (Top) and COMP2:1 (Top), press ENTER
To select a component view instead of the geometry, continue clicking
the geometry until you see the component view name in the tooltip
window. If you accidentally select the wrong view, you can cancel the
selection by selecting the view again with the SHIFT key pressed.
Specify base point: Pick the lower left corner of the combined view
The Component Restructure dialog box is displayed.
3 Observe the Mechanical Browser.
Browser Restructure and Ghost Components | 79
Note that the component SUB-ASSY is already created (1) and COMP1:1
and COMP2:1 are components of it. Also, the COMP1:1 and COMP2:1
continue to exist as components of ASSY1 (2), but the icon changed. This
icon indicates that the component is a Ghost Component. Ghost
components are containers of the views of components that are in an
intermediate state of restructure.
To learn how to resolve ghost components, you must stop creating
SUB-ASSY at this point.
4 Click OK. You now have two ghost components in the Mechanical
Browser.
Before you start resolving ghost components, you must add two
component views to the component SUB-ASSY.
5 In the Mechanical Browser, right-click SUB-ASSY:1 and select New
Component View.
6 Respond to the prompts as follows:
Enter new view name <Front>: Press ENTER
80 | Chapter 4 Using Mechanical Structure
Select objects for new component view:
Dont pick anything, press ENTER
Specify base point:
Pick the lower left corner of the large rectangle in the lower left of the drawing
7 In the Mechanical Browser, right-click SUB-ASSY:1 and select New
Component View again.
8 Respond to the prompts as shown:
Enter new view name <Right>: Enter Side, press ENTER
Select objects for new component view:
Dont pick anything, press ENTER
Specify base point:
Pick the lower left corner of the assembly displayed in the lower right of the
drawing
Browser Restructure and Ghost Components | 81
To resolve ghost components
1 In the Mechanical Browser, click the ghost component COMP1:1, press
the CTRL key and click COMP2:1. Both components are selected.
2 Drag to SUB-ASSY1. The Component Restructure dialog box is displayed.
3 In the Source Component Views list, with the CTRL key pressed select
COMP1:1(Front) and COMP2:1(Side).
4 Drag to SUB-ASSY1(Front). The views move from the Source Component
Views list to the Destination Component Views list.
5 Drag the remaining views in the Source Component Views list to
SUB-ASSY1:(Side) in the Destination Component Views list.
6 Click OK.
82 | Chapter 4 Using Mechanical Structure
The ghost components disappear and COMP1:1 and COMP2:1 are now parts
of SUB-ASSY1.
In the final exercise of browser restructure, you restructure SUB-ASSY1 to be
a subassembly of ASSY1.
To restructure components
1 In the Mechanical Browser, drag SUB-ASSY:1 Front to ASSY:1
Front. The Restructure components dialog box is displayed.
2 Drag SUB-ASSY:1 (Top) to ASSY:1 (Top) and SUB-ASSY:1 (Side) to ASSY:1
(Side).
3 Click OK. SUB-ASSY1 is restructured as a subassembly of ASSY:1
Browser Restructure and Ghost Components | 83
External Reference Components
In AutoCAD Mechanical, you can save individual parts and subassemblies in
external files and share them between designs. When a part is modified, the
changes are propagated to all instances, ensuring that assembly drawings are
always synchronized with their related part drawings.
Inserting External Components
In this exercise, you insert a Gripper on to a Gripper Plate drawing.
84 | Chapter 4 Using Mechanical Structure
1 Open the file Tut_Gripper_Plate.dwg in the tutorials folder.
Ribbon None.
File Open... Menu
OPEN Command
NOTE The path to the tutorials folder is;
Windows Vista
:C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Autodesk\ACADM
2010\Acadm\Tutorial
Windows
C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Autodesk\ACADM
2010\Acadm\Tutorial
Windows
: C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Autodesk\ACADM
2010\Acadm\Tutorial
Windows
Mechanical for defining 2D hide situations have already been covered in Basics of AMSHIDE
on page 95. However, the tutorial is intended for new users who may have to work with
AM2DHIDE supported legacy drawings.
Key Terms
Definition Term
A contour that is covered by another contour or by objects that are
lying behind another contour, in the 3D sense. A background may be
a foreground for an additional contour.
background
Objects which are lying in front of another contour, in the 3D sense.
A foreground may also be a background for an additional contour.
foreground
Line that is not visible in a specified view. For example, in a front view,
lines behind the front plane are not visible.
hidden line
Steel shapes are standardized steel geometries and profiles that are
used for steel and plant construction.
steel shapes
8
159
1 Open the file Tut_Gripper_Plate.dwg in the tutorials folder.
Ribbon None.
File Open... Menu
OPEN Command
NOTE The path to the tutorials folder is;
Windows Vista
:C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Autodesk\ACADM
2010\Acadm\Tutorial
Windows
: C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Autodesk\ACADM
2010\Acadm\Tutorial
Windows
Mechanical, you can create parts lists and bills of material (BOMs), and modify
part references and balloons. In this chapter, you insert and edit a parts list, and work with
the bill of material (BOM) database.
Key Terms
Definition Term
Circular annotation tag that identifies a bill of material item in a
drawing. The number in the balloon corresponds with the number
of the part in the bill of material.
balloon
A dynamic database containing a list of all the parts in an assembly.
Used to generate parts lists that contain associated attributes such
as part number, manufacturer, and quantity.
bill of material
An entity that contains attributes by default (the attribute is invisible)
that can add information to and describe details of a part in the
BOM attribute
drawing. The values of these attributes are transformed into the parts
list attributes when converting BOM attributes and creating a parts
list.
Part information for a bill of material, which is attached to the part
in the drawing.
part reference
10
215
Definition Term
A dynamic list of parts and associated attributes generated from a
bill of material database. The parts list automatically reflects additions
and subtractions of parts from an assembly.
parts list
Working with Parts Lists
The drawing used for this exercise is not structured. In structured drawings,
BOMs and parts list are generated automatically, and it is not necessary to
insert part references manually.
Open the initial drawing.
To open a drawing
1 Open the file tut_pts_list.dwg in the Tutorial folder.
Ribbon
Open Drawing
File Open... Menu
OPEN Command
NOTE The path to the folder containing tutorial files is;
Windows Vista
: C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Autodesk\ACADM
2010\Acadm\Tutorial
Windows
Mechanical to create and edit a shaft, and insert bearings. The standard parts you use are
automatically structured in the mechanical browser.
Key Terms
Definition Term
Calculates limiting value, dynamic and static load rating, dynamic
and static equivalent load, and fatigue life in revolutions and hours.
bearing calcula-
tion
A beveled surface between two faces or surfaces. chamfer
Calculation required for a revolving bearing. The result is the Adjus-
ted Rating Life. This is the life associated with 90% reliability with
dynamic calcula-
tion
contemporary, commonly used material, and under conventional
operating conditions. With the number of revolutions you get the
life in working hours.
The act of determining the size of a standard part with the cursor
while inserting it into a side view. The standard part is displayed
dynamic drag-
ging
dynamically on the screen and can be dragged to the next possible
size and length. The values (sizes) are taken from the Standard
parts database.
A curved transition from one part face or surface to another. The
transition cuts off the outside edge or fills in the inside edge.
fillet
11
247
Definition Term
Any of several arrangements, especially of toothed wheels in a
machine, which allow power to be passed from one part to another
to control the power, speed, or direction of movement.
gear
Thin line that represents the radius in the side or top view. radius reflection
line
Interruption of a shaft. A shaft can be interrupted at a point, and
the shaft break symbols are inserted in a suitable size.
shaft break
Tool to draw rotationally symmetrical parts. A shaft is usually created
from left to right using different sections. These sections are posi-
shaft generator
tioned automatically one after the other. Additionally, any shaft
section can be inserted, deleted, or edited.
Creating Shafts
In this section, you use the shaft generator to create a shaft with standard
parts. You also perform a bearing calculation.
To open a template
1 Create a new drawing.
Ribbon
New Drawing
File New Menu
NEW Command
2 In the Select template dialog box, click the template am_iso.dwt, and then
click Open.
248 | Chapter 11 Creating Shafts with Standard Parts
This creates a new drawing based on the am_iso template. Use Save As
to save the drawing file with an appropriate name.
NOTE The ISO standard part standard has to be installed for this tutorial
exercise.
Ensure that mechanical structure is enabled
To enable mechanical structure
1 Click the STRUCT status bar button and latch it down to enable
mechanical structure.
2 If the mechanical browser is not visible, on the command line, enter
AMBROWSER.
3 When prompted, enter ON.
Configuring Snap Options
Configure the snap options.
Configuring Snap Options | 249
To configure the snap options
1 Start the Power Snap Settings command.
Ribbon None.
Object Snap Cursor Menu Power Snap Settings Menu
AMPOWERSNAP Command
2 In the Power Snap Settings dialog box, in the Power Snap Configuration
list, select Settings 4 and specify:
Snap Modes: Endpoint, Midpoint, Intersection
Click OK
Save your file.
Configuring Shaft Generators
In the next steps, you start and configure the shaft generator.
NOTE Turn off Dynamic Input
Click on the Dynamic Input status bar icon and ensure that it is not lighted
up.
To start and configure the shaft generator
1 Start the Shaft Generator command.
250 | Chapter 11 Creating Shafts with Standard Parts
Ribbon Content tab Shaft panel Shaft Generator.
Content Shaft Generator... Menu
AMSHAFT2D Command
2 Respond to the prompts as follows:
Enter shaft component name <Shaft1>: Press ENTER
Specify starting point or select center line:
Enter 150,150, press ENTER
Specify centerline endpoint: Enter 240,150, press ENTER
NOTE The start and endpoints of the centerline are only important in
determining the direction. The length of the centerline is automatically
adapted to the length of the shaft.
3 In the Shaft Generator dialog box, click Options.
4 In the Shaft Generator - Configuration dialog box, specify:
For Segment inserted: Insert
Stationary Shaft End: Left
Adjust Centerline: Yes
Front View: Radius Reflection Line, Check contour
Side and Sectional Views: Sectional with Background, Always update
View of Interrupt: Hatch
If shaft is in background, hide standard part too: Yes
Configuring Shaft Generators | 251
Click OK.
You return to the Shaft Generator dialog box.
Creating Cylindrical Shaft Sections and Gears
The shaft generator is configured. Now you want to generate the first shaft
segments. Verify that the Outer Contour tab is selected.
To create shaft segments
1 Click the lower cylinder button to define a cylinder section, and
respond to the prompts as follows:
Specify length <50>: Enter 12, press ENTER
Specify diameter <40>: Enter 20, press ENTER
2 Click the gear button, and then enter the values for module,
number of teeth, and length as shown in the following figure:
252 | Chapter 11 Creating Shafts with Standard Parts
NOTE Here, the DIN standard requires that you indicate the module. The
ANSI standard requires the Diametral Pitch 1/module. You can switch between
these two representations using the DIN and ANSI options.
3 Close the Shaft Generator dialog box.
In the mechanical structure browser, the shaft is added as a component.
Add an assembly to structure the shaft components you create in this
exercise.
To add an assembly to the mechanical browser
1 In the mechanical browser, right click the file name node (the root node)
and click New Component.
2 Respond to the prompts:
Enter new component name <COMP1>: Enter shaftassembly, press ENTER
Enter new view name <Top>: Enter front, press ENTER
Select objects for new component view: Select the shaft with a window
Select objects for new component view: Press ENTER
Specify base point: Specify a point at the upper left of the shaft
The shaft assembly is listed at the top of the browser, and the existing
shaft components are listed within the assembly. As you add more
Creating Cylindrical Shaft Sections and Gears | 253
components to the shaft, they are automatically structured in the
assembly.
Return to the shaft generator.
Double-click the left shaft segment in the drawing and then press ESC.
3 Click the lower cylinder button to define a further cylinder section
and respond to the prompts as follows:
Specify length <10>: Enter 5, press ENTER
Specify diameter <20>: Enter 20, press ENTER
4 Click the gear button, and then enter the values for module, number
of teeth, and length as shown in the following figure:
254 | Chapter 11 Creating Shafts with Standard Parts
5 Click the lower cylinder button to define another cylinder section,
and then respond to the prompts as follows:
Specify length <10>: Enter 4, press ENTER
Specify diameter <20>: Enter 24, press ENTER
6 Click the lower cylinder button to define another cylinder section,
and then respond to the prompts as follows:
Specify length <4>: Enter 33, press ENTER
Specify diameter <24>: Enter 20, press ENTER
The first five sections of the shaft are created, as represented in the
following figure:
Creating Cylindrical Shaft Sections and Gears | 255
Inserting Spline Profiles
Add a spline profile to the shaft.
To create a profiled segment
1 Click the Profile button.
2 In the Profile dialog box, click ISO 14 in the Details panel.
3 In the Splined Shaft ISO 14 dialog box, select the standard size 6 x 13 x
16 and enter a length of 26.
Click OK.
You created another section of the shaft, as shown in the following figure:
256 | Chapter 11 Creating Shafts with Standard Parts
Inserting Chamfers and Fillets
Apply a chamfer and a fillet to the shaft.
To apply a chamfer and a fillet
1 Click the Chamfer button to apply a chamfer to a shaft section,
and then respond to the prompts as follows:
Select object: Select the left most cylinder section (1)
Specify length (max. 12) <2.5>: Enter 2, press ENTER
Specify angle (0-79) or [Distance] <45>: Enter 45, press ENTER
2 Click the Fillet button to apply a fillet to a shaft section, and then
respond to the prompts as follows:
Select object:
Select the cylinder section between the two gears near the second gear (1)
Enter radius (max. 10.00) <2.50>: Enter 2, press ENTER
Inserting Chamfers and Fillets | 257
NOTE The fillet is applied to the edge of the selected section that is closer
to the selected point.
The shaft looks like the following figure:
Inserting Shaft Breaks
Insert a shaft break in the drawing.
To insert a shaft break
Click the Break button to insert a shaft break, and then respond to
the prompts as follows:
Specify point: Select the midpoint of the cylindrical section (1)
Specify length (min. 4.00) <6>: Enter 10, press ENTER
NOTE You can insert the break to the left if you enter a negative value.
The shaft break is inserted.
258 | Chapter 11 Creating Shafts with Standard Parts
Creating Side Views of Shafts
Insert a side view of the shaft.
To insert a side view
1 Click the Side view button.
2 In the Side view from dialog box, select Right. Click OK.
3 Respond to the prompt as follows:
Specify insertion point: Press ENTER
The right side view is inserted at the proposed position.
In the mechanical browser, the new right side view is listed within the
shaft component along with the existing front view. The right side view
includes its hide situations.
Inserting Threads on Shafts
Add a thread to the shaft.
Creating Side Views of Shafts | 259
To insert a thread on a shaft
1 Click the Thread button to insert a thread, and then select ISO
261 External from the Details panel.
2 In the ISO 261 ExternalThreads (Regular Thread) dialog box, select M10
and enter a length of 20. Click OK.
The thread is added to the shaft, which looks like this:
NOTE If Always Update is unchecked in Options, AM:Shaft tab, you are
prompted to update associated views when you close the Shaft Generator.
Editing Shafts and Inserting Sections
Edit an existing shaft section and insert a new section. You use the Edit button
in the shaft generator to turn on AMPOWEREDIT.
To edit and insert a shaft section
1 Click the Edit button, and then respond to the prompts as follows:
260 | Chapter 11 Creating Shafts with Standard Parts
Select object: Select the first cylindrical section (1)
Specify length <12>: Press ENTER
Specify diameter <20>: Enter 18, press ENTER
The diameter is changed to 18 while the length remains 12.
2 Click the Insert button, and then respond to the prompt as follows:
Specify point: Select a point after the second gear (1)
3 Click the Slope button, and then respond to the prompts as follows:
Specify length or [Dialog] <20>: Enter 4, press ENTER
Specify diameter at starting point <24>: Enter 28, press ENTER
Specify diameter at endpoint or [Slope/Angle] <20>:
Enter 22, press ENTER
Editing Shafts and Inserting Sections | 261
Replacing Shaft Sections
The previously inserted slope needs to be deleted again.
To replace a shaft section
1 Click the Undo button.
The previous slope insertion is undone.
Replace an existing shaft section. To do this, change the settings in the
configuration.
2 Click the Options button to start the shaft generator configuration, and
then specify:
For Segment inserted: Overdraw
262 | Chapter 11 Creating Shafts with Standard Parts
Click OK.
3 Click the Slope button, and then respond to the prompt as follows:
Specify length or [Dialog] <4>: Enter D, press ENTER
4 In the Shaft Generator - Cone dialog box, specify the following settings.
Click OK.
The slope replaces the cylindrical shaft section.
Replacing Shaft Sections | 263
Inserting Bearings
Insert a bearing and perform a bearing calculation.
To insert a bearing
1 Click the Standard Parts button, and then select Roller Bearings Radial
ISO 355. Respond to the prompts as follows:
Specify insertion point on shaft contour: Specify insertion point (1)
Direction to [Left]: Select a point to the right (2)
2 In the ISO 355 dialog box, click Next.
264 | Chapter 11 Creating Shafts with Standard Parts
3 Specify the loads, and activate Work Hours as shown in the following.
Click Next.
4 In the ISO 355 dialog box, select the bearing 2BD - 20 x 37 x 12, and then
click Finish.
Inserting Bearings | 265
You can drag the cursor to see all available bearing sizes.
5 Drag to the size 2BD - 20 x 37 x 12, and then press ENTER.
6 In the Create Hide Situation dialog box, click OK.
The bearing is inserted.
7 Close the Shaft Generator dialog box.
In the mechanical structure browser, the roller bearing component is
added to the assembly.
Save your file. This is the end of this tutorial chapter.
266 | Chapter 11 Creating Shafts with Standard Parts
Engineering Calculations
The tutorials in this section teach you how to calculate moments of inertia and deflection
lines, create and calculate chains, springs and cams. The drawing files for each lesson can be
found in the Acadm/tutorial/ folder of the AutoCAD
: C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Autodesk\ACADM
2010\Acadm\Tutorial
Windows
: C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Autodesk\ACADM
2010\Acadm\Tutorial
Windows
Mechanical tutorial, you calculate a chain length, and insert sprockets and
chain links into a drawing.
Key Terms
Definition Term
Distance in mm or inches between centers of adjacent joint mem-
bers. Other dimensions are proportional to the pitch. Also known
as pitch.
partition
The diameter of the pitch circle that passes through the centers of
the link pins as the chain is wrapped on the sprocket.
pitch diameter
A roller chain is made up of two kinds of links: roller links and pin
links alternately and evenly spaced throughout the length of the
chain.
roller chain
A toothed wheel that transfers the power from the chain to the shaft
or the other way round.
sprocket
Chain Calculations
NOTE Before you begin this tutorial exercise, be sure the ISO standard parts are
installed on your screen.
14
295
Before you begin this tutorial...
This tutorial requires the mechanical browser. If the mechanical browser is
not visible:
1 Enter AMBROWSER on the command line and press ENTER.
2 When prompted, enter ON and press ENTER.
To load the tutorial drawing
1 Open the file tut_chain.dwg in the Tutorial folder.
Ribbon
Open Drawing
File Open Menu
OPEN Command
NOTE The path to the folder containing tutorial files is;
Windows Vista
: C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Autodesk\ACADM
2010\Acadm\Tutorial
Windows
Mechanical.
Key Terms
Definition Term
A washer-type spring that can sustain relatively large loads
with small deflections. The loads and deflections can be in-
creased by stacking the springs.
Belleville spring washer
A spring type that can be compressed and can absorb pressure
forces.
compression spring
The act of determining the size of a standard part with the
cursor while inserting the part into a side view. The standard
dynamic dragging
part is displayed dynamically on the screen and can be
dragged to the next possible size and length. The values (sizes)
are taken from the Standard parts database.
A spring type that can absorb tension forces. extension spring
A command that copies a drawing object to another position
in the drawing. Power Copy produces an identical copy of
the copied object.
Power Copy
A single edit command for all objects in a drawing. Power Edit
A spring type that can absorb torque forces. torsion spring
15
309
Calculating Springs
With the AutoCAD Mechanical spring function, you can insert compression,
extension, and torsion springs, as well as Belleville spring washers. The
calculation is carried out in accordance with DIN 2098 or ANSI. The standard
sizes of the springs can be selected from various standard catalogs.
NOTE The ISO standard parts have to be installed for this tutorial exercise.
In this tutorial, you create a compression spring in two different compression
situations. You calculate and insert the springs in the existing drawing.
Perform this tutorial with mechanical structure disabled.
To open a drawing
1 Open the file tut_spring.dwg in the tutorials folder at:
Ribbon
Open Drawing
File Open Menu
OPEN Command
NOTE The path to the folder containing tutorial files is;
Windows Vista
: C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Autodesk\ACADM
2010\Acadm\Tutorial
Windows
Catalog A [mm]
dialog box, specify:
Specification: 2 Loads, 2 Lengths
Absolute Set: Lengths
Click the Da button.
Specifying Spring Restrictions | 313
A row for specifying the outer diameter Da is added to the restrictions
table.
2 Click the value field for the diameter Da. You can pick a point on the
inner spring housing to specify the diameter, or enter a value. In this
instance, enter the value 15.
Define the initial spring length.
3 In the Compression Springs - Select from Tables SPEC
Catalog A [mm]
dialog box, click the value field for the length L1, and then choose the
pick icon.
314 | Chapter 15 Calculating Springs
4 Respond to the prompts as follows:
Specify point for spring length L1:
Select a point on the spring pressure plate (1)
Use view B of the lever and spring housing to define the compressed
spring length.
5 In the Compression Springs dialog box, click the value field for the length
L2, and then choose the pick icon.
Specifying Spring Restrictions | 315
6 Respond to the prompts as follows:
Specify point for spring length L2:
Select a point on the spring pressure plate in view B (1)
The geometric boundary conditions are defined, and you can proceed
with the calculation.
Calculating and Selecting Springs
Make the calculation settings and calculate the possible springs.
316 | Chapter 15 Calculating Springs
To calculate and select a spring
1 In the Compression Springs - Select from Tables SPEC
Catalog A [mm]
dialog box, choose the Additional Calculation Settings button.
2 In the Compression Springs - Additional Calculation [ANSI] dialog, select
the left buckling case, and then Click OK.
3 In the Compression Springs - Select from Tables SPEC
Catalog A [mm]
dialog box, choose Next.
Calculating and Selecting Springs | 317
The possible springs are calculated and the results are displayed in the
Compression Springs - Select from Tables SPEC
Mechanical.
Key Terms
Definition Term
A force parallel to the screw axis. axial force
The touching surfaces of the plates, which are effective for the calcu-
lation.
contact area
The safety factor is the ratio of effective load and safe load. safety factor
A force perpendicular to the screw axis. shear force
The force acting on a member or body per unit area. stress
Methods for Calculating Screws
The Screw Calculation provides two different ways to calculate a screw
connection:
Stand-alone calculation: All data and properties are specified by the user.
16
323
Calculation of an existing screw connection: The user selects an existing
screw connection to be calculated. All geometric and standard-related data
is taken from the screw connection and cannot be edited.
In this exercise, you use the stand-alone Screw Calculation. With the
standalone calculation, you can calculate a screw connection without any
prerequisites. You can specify the screw connection in detail (material,
geometry, load, settlement and tightening properties). In this exercise, you
are provided with the drawing of a screw calculation. Some values are selected
from tables, some are entered manually, and some are taken directly from the
drawing.
To open the initial drawing
1 Open the file tut_screw.dwg in the tutorials folder.
Ribbon
Open Drawing
File Open Menu
OPEN Command
NOTE The path to the folder containing tutorial files is;
Windows Vista
: C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Autodesk\ACADM
2010\Acadm\Tutorial
Windows
Mechanical. You use the results to improve the design of the lever.
Key Terms
Definition Term
A load or force that is exerted over a certain length. distributed load
Finite Element Analysis. A calculation routine based on analyzing a
rigid body subject to loads and restraints for stress, strain, and de-
formation.
FEA
A support that prevents translation as well as rotation about all axes. fixed support
Force or moment acting on a member or body. load
A support that prevents rotation in all axes, but allows translation
along one axis.
movable support
A single edit command for the objects in your drawing. Power Edit
The force acting on a member or body per unit area. stress
17
339
2D FEA
To determine the stability and durability of a given structure under various
loading situations, you need to observe the stress and deformation in the
components while they are being loaded. A structure is considered to be
durable if the maximum stress is less than what the material permits.
There are various computational methods for calculating deformation and
stress conditions. One of these methods is called the Finite Element Analysis.
The knowledge gained from this stress rating may lead to changing the
structure in certain areas, which in turn necessitates changes to the design.
The FEA routine uses its own layer group for input and output.
Note that FEA is not designed for solving all special FEA tasks. Its purpose is
to provide you with a quick idea of the stress and deformation distributions.
NOTE The ISO standard parts have to be installed for this tutorial exercise.
For this exercise, work with mechanical structure disabled.
To open the initial drawing
1 Open the file tut_fea.dwg in the tutorials folder at:
Windows Vista
: C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Autodesk\ACADM
2010\Acadm\Tutorial
Windows
Mechanical to create a cam, perform calculations, and generate data for NC production.
Key Terms
Definition Term
Rate of change in velocity. acceleration
Types of gears for obtaining unusual and irregular motions that
would be difficult to produce otherwise.
cam
Geometric shape of the cam. curve path
Diagram illustrating the lift or rotation of the follower for each de-
gree of rotation or translation of the cam plate.
motion diagram
Part of the motion diagram. Some sections are defined by design.
For example, the maximum lift of 15 mm is reached at an angle of
90 degrees.
motion section
Numerical Control. Used in manufacturing to represent the control
on machine tool motion through numeric data for 2 to 5 axis ma-
chining.
NC
Controls the precision of curves. A low value increases computing
time. Use a higher value for initial design.
resolution
18
353
Definition Term
Graph of the speed of the straight driven element, or the rotation
angle of a rocker and the cam plate angle of rotation.
step width
Designing and Calculating Cams
With the cam design and calculation functionality in AutoCAD Mechanical,
you can implement all motions required in the scope of process control with
a minimum number of gear elements. The basis for systematic design
procedures is offered using standardized laws of movement in the development
of new cam gears.
With the automated cam features, you can create cams (linear, circular, and
cylindrical cams) based on sections drawn in a motion diagram. You can also
calculate velocity and acceleration of an existing section of the motion
diagram. The cam curve path can be determined with the calculated cam
sections. An existing curve path can be scanned and transferred in the motion
diagram. A driven element can be coupled to the cam. NC data can be created
using the curve path.
In the following exercise, you generate a circular cam and a swinging follower
with a single roller. You also calculate the spring of the follower. The cam and
the follower are inserted into the drawing together with the motion diagrams.
At the end you generate the NC data for the cam production.
Start with an ISO drawing template.
To open a template
1 Start a new drawing.
Ribbon
New Drawing
File New Menu
NEW Command
2 The Select template dialog box opens. Select the template am_iso.dwt and
click Open. This creates a new drawing based on the am_iso template.
Use Save As to save the drawing file with an appropriate name.
354 | Chapter 18 Designing and Calculating Cams
Starting Cam Designs and Calculations
To start a cam design and calculation
1 Open the cam design and calculation tool.
Ribbon Content tab Calculation panel drop-down
Cam Design and Calculation.
Content Cams... Menu
AMCAM Command
Specify the cam type.
2 In the Cam Design and Calculation dialog box, on the Cam tab, specify:
Type: Circular
In the Type of Cam dialog box, click the center Circular icon and specify:
Revolutions [1/min]: 100
Drawn: Select the check box
Diameter of Body [mm]: 50
3 Click the Follower button.
NOTE You can also step through the dialog using the Next button.
4 On the Follower tab, Movement section, click the Translating button.
Starting Cam Designs and Calculations | 355
5 In the Type of Follower dialog box, click the Swinging button. You are
returned to the CAM Design and Calculation dialog box.
Specify the following settings.
356 | Chapter 18 Designing and Calculating Cams
6 Click the Profile button, and define the profile.
You can select between a power-contact profile (inner or outer) or a
form-contact profile (both outer). Specify an inner profile, which requires
a spring to keep contact.
Specify the following settings.
7 Click the Location button.
The dialog box is hidden so you can specify a location for the cam and
the follower in the drawing.
8 Respond to the prompts as follows:
Specify center of cam: 100,100, press ENTER
Specify center of follower swing [Undo]: @100,0, press ENTER
Specify start of movement [Undo]: @90<157.36, press ENTER
Specify origin of movement diagram [Undo/Window] <Window>:
Specify a point next to the cam
Specify length of movement diagram [Undo]: @360,0, press ENTER
The cam and the follower are inserted into the drawing with the motion
diagram. Your drawing looks like this:
Starting Cam Designs and Calculations | 357
The Cam Design and Calculation dialog box is opened again.
Defining Motion Sections
Define five motion sections to describe the cam.
To specify motions
1 In the Cam Design and Calculation dialog box, click the Motions button,
and then click the New button.
358 | Chapter 18 Designing and Calculating Cams
In the Select Method to Add New Segment dialog box, you can either
insert or append a new motion section.
2 Click Append.
Define the first motion section.
3 In the Motion - New mode dialog box, specify the following settings.
Position [deg] <from - to> 0 -: 90
Elevation [deg] 0 -: 0
Defining Motion Sections | 359
Click OK.
The motion is inserted into the drawing and you are reverted back to the
Cam Design and Calculation dialog.
Define the next motions to describe the cam.
1 In the Cam Design and Calculation dialog box, Motion tab, click New.
2 In the Select Method to Add New Segment dialog box, click Append.
3 In the Motion - New mode dialog box, specify the following settings.
Position [deg] <from - to> 90 -: 150
Elevation [deg] 0 -: 5
360 | Chapter 18 Designing and Calculating Cams
4 Click the Context of Follower movement button.
5 Click Dwell - Constant Velocity (second button from left).
6 In the Motion - New mode dialog box, specify the following settings.
Curve: 5th polynomial
Velocity [rad/s] 0 -: 2
Defining Motion Sections | 361
Click OK.
The next motion section has to be Constant Velocity, since the motion
section before is Dwell - Constant Velocity.
1 In the Cam Design and Calculation dialog box, Motion tab, click New.
2 In the Select Method to Add New Segment dialog box, click Append.
3 In the Motion - New mode dialog, specify the following settings.
Position [deg] <from - to> 150 -: 180
Elevation [deg] 5 -: 8
4 Click the Context of Follower movement button.
362 | Chapter 18 Designing and Calculating Cams
5 Click Constant Velocity (left most button).
The routine recalculates the elevation and inserts the correct value, 10.73,
in the Elevation box of the Motion New mode dialog box.
Click OK.
Define the next motion section.
1 In the Cam Design and Calculation dialog box, Motion tab, click New.
2 In the Select Method to Add New Segment dialog box, click Append.
3 In the Motion - New mode dialog box, specify the following settings.
Position [deg] <from - to> 180 -: 220
Elevation [deg] 10.73 -: 16
4 Click the Context of Follower movement button, and then click Constant
Velocity - Reverse (fourth button from left).
5 In the Motion - New mode dialog box, specify the following settings.
Acceleration [rad/s^2] 0 -: 60
Defining Motion Sections | 363
Click OK.
Define the last motion section to complete the 360 degrees.
1 In the Cam Design and Calculation dialog box, Motion tab, click New.
2 In the Select Method to Add New Section dialog box, click Append.
3 In the Motion - New mode dialog, specify the following settings.
Position [deg] <from - to> 220 -: 360
Elevation [deg] 16-: 0
4 Click the Context of Follower movement button.
The routine calculates the correct values for the end position.
5 In the Motion - New mode dialog box, specify the following settings.
Curve: Harmonic Combination
364 | Chapter 18 Designing and Calculating Cams
Click OK.
The definition of the motion section is complete, and all motion sections are
displayed in the list.
The definition of the geometry is finished.
Calculating Strength for Springs
To calculate the strength for the spring
1 In the Cam Design and Calculation dialog box, select the Strength check
box, and then click the Strength button.
Calculating Strength for Springs | 365
2 In the Cam Design and Calculation dialog box, Loads tab, specify:
External Force [N] Fe =: 20
Reduced Mass of the Follower [kg] mf =: 0.1
Reduced Inert Mass [kg] mi =: 0.07
3 On the Spring tab, specify:
Preload [N] F0 =: 10
Mass of Spring [kg] ms =: 0.08
Spring Location [mm] ls =: 45
Spring Rate: Select the User Change check box, enter 30
366 | Chapter 18 Designing and Calculating Cams
4 On the Material tab, you can specify the material for cam and roller. In
this case, use the default material.
5 On the Arm tab, specify:
Dimensions of Arm [mm] d =: 8
NOTE You can choose other types of cross sections for the arms.
6 Click Results, and then click Calculation.
All calculation results are displayed on the respective tabs:
Calculating Strength for Springs | 367
The Calculation button gives you the results of your design. To optimize
your design, you can choose to generate the correct size of the cam based
on the pressure angle and the radius of curvature.
To generate a cam design based on pressure angle and radius of curvature
1 Click the Calculation button.
To optimize the size of the cam, the pressure angle from your design must
be less than or equal to a certain value (automatically calculated and
displayed at the bottom of the cam Design and Calculation dialog box)
while the radius of curvature must be greater than or equal to a certain
value (automatically calculated and displayed at the bottom of the cam
Design and Calculation dialog box).
2 Click the Results button.
3 In the Geometry tab, click the Center of Cam button.
Two hatched open triangles are displayed on the screen.
4 Respond to the prompts as follows:
Press ESC or ENTER to exit, or [Change center of cam]:
Enter C, press ENTER
Specify center of cam <100,100>: Press ENTER
5 Snap to the apex of the triangle that produces a maximal pressure angle
less than or equal to the recommended value and a minimal radius of
curvature greater than or equal to the recommended value.
Exporting Cam Data and Viewing Results
To export TXT cam data for an NC machine
1 In the Cam Design and Calculation dialog box, click Export.
On the File tab, specify:
Export Curves: Inner
Precision [mm]: 0.01
Data Type: File: TXT
Data Type: Coordinates: Polar
368 | Chapter 18 Designing and Calculating Cams
Click Generate File.
2 In the Save As dialog box, specify a descriptive file name and a location.
Click Save.
The cam is completely designed and calculated.
3 To view the results, click Finish, and then respond to the prompt as
follows:
Specify insertion point of result table:
Specify a location for the result table
The table of results is inserted into the drawing.
Exporting Cam Data and Viewing Results | 369
Save your file. This is the end of the tutorial chapter.
370 | Chapter 18 Designing and Calculating Cams
Autodesk Inventor Link
The tutorial in this section teaches you how to import an Autodesk Inventor
: C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Autodesk\ACADM
2010\Acadm\Tutorial
Windows
or AutoCAD
LT.
To export a drawing view
1 Start the Export Views command..
Ribbon None
Does not exist in the Menu. Menu
Right-click the Base icon in the Drawing tab, then
choose Export.
Browser
AMVIEWOUT Command
2 In the Export Drawing Views dialog box, from the Source drop-down list,
select Select Views/Entities, then click Select.
Exporting Drawing Views to AutoCAD | 391
The dialog box hides.
3 Respond to the prompts:
Select objects to export <all views>: Select the base view
Select objects to export <all views>: Press ENTER
You are returned to the Export Drawing Views dialog box.
4 In the File Name box, enter the name of a drawing file to export to.
5 Click OK.
6 Save the file.
7 Close AutoCAD Mechanical, start AutoCAD and open the file that you
created in step 5.
Linking Autodesk Inventor Assembly Files
To link an Autodesk Inventor assembly file
1 Open the assembly file.
392 | Chapter 19 Using Autodesk Inventor Link Support
Ribbon
New Inventor Link
File New Inventor Link Menu
NEW Command
2 In the Select template dialog box, select the template am_ansi.dwt, then
click Open.
3 Locate and select Bracket.iam, then click Open.
To shade and rotate the assembly
1 Right-click the assembly name in the Mechanical Browser and select
Shade.
2 Right-click the assembly name in the Mechanical Browser and select 3D
orbit.
3 Place the cursor in the appropriate location inside or on the Arcball.
4 Click and hold the left mouse button, then rotate the part to a position
that resembles the following illustration.
Linking Autodesk Inventor Assembly Files | 393
Accessing Parts from the Browser
To select a part from the browser
1 Click a part in the Mechanical Browser. The part is highlighted in model
space.
2 Right-click a part and select Zoom-to. The display zooms to the part.
Accessing iProperties
When the assembly file is linked, Attached Mechanical is able to access
iProperties through its Bill of Materials (BOM).
To access iProperties
1 Start the BOM Database command.
Ribbon
Annotate tab BOM panel
Annotate BOM Database Menu
AMBOM Command
2 Respond to the prompts as follows:
Specify BOM to create or set current [Main/?] <MAIN>: Press ENTER
The BOM dialog box is displayed.
394 | Chapter 19 Using Autodesk Inventor Link Support
3 Click the + sign in the first column to expand the row.
4 Click Settings. The BOM Settings dialog box is displayed.
Accessing iProperties | 395
5 Click the More button to display More Properties dialog box.
6 Select Part Number and click OK. You are returned to the BOM dialog
box. Notice the additional row at the bottom of the Available component
properties list.
396 | Chapter 19 Using Autodesk Inventor Link Support
7 Click OK. The BOM Settings dialog box closes and the BOM dialog box
becomes accessible again.
8 In the BOM dialog box, use the horizontal scroll bar to inspect the
columns in the extreme right.
Note how the iProperty Part Number is listed and automatically filled
with data from the Inventor assembly file.
9 Save the file as Inventor Assembly.dwg.
Inserting Drawing Borders
To insert a drawing border
1 Click the Drawing tab in the Mechanical Browser.
2 Start the Drawing Title/Borders command.
Ribbon
Annotate tab Layout panel
Annotate Drawing Title and Revision
Drawing Title/Borders...
Menu
Inserting Drawing Borders | 397
AMTITLE Command
3 In the Drawing Borders with Title Block dialog box, specify:
Paper Format: C (17.0x22.0 inch)
Title Block: US Title Block
Scale: 1:1
Retrieve from Assembly Properties: Select
4 Click OK.
5 In the Page Setup Manager dialog box, select Layout1, then click Modify.
6 In the Page Setup - Layout1 dialog box, specify the following value:
Paper size: ANSI C (22.00 x 17.00 Inches)
7 Choose OK to exit the Page Setup Manager.
8 Click Close.
9 Respond to the prompt as follows:
Specify insertion point: Enter -0.25,-0.75, press ENTER
10 In the Change Title Block Entry dialog box click Next.
11 In the Drawing Title box, type Adjustable Bracket.
12 Click OK.
398 | Chapter 19 Using Autodesk Inventor Link Support
Creating Parts Lists and Balloons
You can create a variety of drawing view types for a part, but you must create
a base view first. Subsequent changes made to the assembly file in Autodesk
Inventor are automatically updated in the drawing views when the drawing
file is updated.
To create a base view
1 Create a new drawing view..
Ribbon None
Drawing Default New View Menu
Right-click a Layout icon in the Drawing tab, then
choose New View.
Browser
AMDWGVIEW Command
2 In the Create Drawing View dialog box, specify:
View Type: Base
Data Set: Select
Layout: Layout1
Orientation: Top
Scale: 2.0000
3 Click OK.
4 Respond to the prompts as follows:
Specify location for base view:
Click in the lower left corner of the graphics area, press ENTER
Creating Parts Lists and Balloons | 399
The base view is placed in the lower-left corner of the drawing.
To create the parts list
1 Start the Parts List command.
Ribbon
Annotate tab Table panel
Annotate Parts List Menu
AMPARTLIST Command
The Part List ANSI dialog box is displayed.
2 Click OK.
3 Move the cursor to position the parts lists above the title block, then click
to insert the parts list.
400 | Chapter 19 Using Autodesk Inventor Link Support
To create balloons
1 Start the Balloons command..
Ribbon
Annotate tab Balloon panel
Annotate Balloons Menu
AMBALLOON Command
2 Respond to the prompt as follows:
Select part/assembly or
[auTo/autoAll/Collect/Manual/One/Renumber/rEorganize]: Enter A
Select pick object: Window select the entire assembly
Select pick object: Press ENTER
3 Place the balloons horizontally above the assembly.
Creating Parts Lists and Balloons | 401
Creating Breakout Section Views
A breakout section view shows hidden details by cutting away portions that
block their visibility. In this exercise, you indicate the section to remove by
creating a cut line on one view and marking the depth of the cut on another
view. Once the breakout section view is generated, you create an isometric
view for it.
To create the base view and orthogonal view:
1 Click the Drawing tab in the browser and double-click Layout 2.
2 Start the Drawing Title/Borders command.
Ribbon
Annotate tab Layout panel
Annotate Drawing Title and Revision
Drawing Title/Borders...
Menu
AMTITLE Command
The Drawing Borders with Title Block dialog box is displayed
402 | Chapter 19 Using Autodesk Inventor Link Support
3 Create a new drawing border for Layout2, following the procedure
outlined in Inserting Drawing Borders on page 376.
To create a base view and orthogonal view
1 Create a new drawing view.
Ribbon None
Drawing Default New View Menu
Right-click the Layout2 icon in the Drawing tab,
then choose New View.
Browser
AMDWGVIEW Command
2 In the Create Drawing View dialog box, specify:
View Type: Multiple
Data Set: Select
Layout: Layout2
Scale: 1.5
Display Hidden Lines: Clear the check box
3 Choose OK.
4 Respond to the prompt as follows:
Select planar face, work plane or
[sTandard view/Ucs/View/worldXy/worldYz/worldZx]: Enter X
Select work axis, straight edge or [worldX/worldY/worldZ]:
Enter X
Adjust orientation [Flip/Rotate] <Accept>: Press ENTER
Specify location of base view:
Position the view in the lower left corner of the graphics area and click
Specify location of base view or [Done] <next view>: Press ENTER
Specify location of projected view or [New parent view]:
Drag to a location above the base view, click to select location
Specify location of projected view or [Done] <next view>:
Press ENTER
Specify location of projected view or [New parent view]:
Press ENTER
Creating Breakout Section Views | 403
To create the cut line:
1 Start the polyline command..
Ribbon
Home tab Draw panel
Draw Polyline Menu
PLINE Command
2 Respond to the prompts as follows:
Specify start point: Click point (1)
Specify next point or [Arc/Halfwidth/Length/Undo/Width]:
Click point (2)
Specify next point or [Arc/Halfwidth/Length/Undo/Width]:
Click point (3)
Specify next point or [Arc/Halfwidth/Length/Undo/Width]:
Enter close, press ENTER
A closed polyline is created.
404 | Chapter 19 Using Autodesk Inventor Link Support
To create a breakout section view
1 Create a base view type.
Ribbon None
Drawing Default New View Menu
Right-click the Ortho icon in the Drawing tab, then
choose New View.
Browser
Right-click in the graphics area, then choose New
View.
Context Menu
AMDWGVIEW Command
2 In the Create Drawing View dialog box, specify:
View Type: Base
3 On the Section Tab, specify
Type: Breakout
Hatch: Selected
4 Click OK.
Creating Breakout Section Views | 405
5 Respond to the prompts:
Select first parent view for breakout view:
Select the orthogonal view
Specify location of base view:
Drag just above the base view, click to select the location, press ENTER
Select polyline to use as cutline:
Click the polyline you created in the previous exercise (1)
Select second parent view for depth selection:
Select the base view (2)
Select point for depth of section: Select point (3)
The breakout section view is created.
406 | Chapter 19 Using Autodesk Inventor Link Support
To create an isometric view of the breakout section view:
1 Create an isometric view type.
Ribbon None
Drawing Default New View Menu
Right-click the Section icon in the Drawing tab,
then choose New View.
Browser
Right-click in the graphics area, then choose New
View.
Context Menu
AMDWGVIEW Command
2 In the Create Drawing View dialog box, specify:
View Type: Iso
3 Choose OK.
4 Respond to the prompts:
Select parent view: Select the breakout section view
Specify location of base view:
Creating Breakout Section Views | 407
Drag to the left of the orthogonal view, click, and press ENTER
NOTE The details shown in the view that is generated depend on where you
place the view. When you drag to the left, the isometric view that is generated
reveals a hole and a screw. They would not be visible if you placed the view
elsewhere.
The isometric view is created.
5 Move the isometric view to the right of the orthogonal view.
Ribbon None
Drawing Default Move View Menu
In the Drawing tab, right-click the Iso icon, then
choose Move.
Browser
Right-click in the graphics area, then choose Move
View.
Context Menu
AMMOVEVIEW Command
6 Respond to the prompts:
Select view to move: Select the isometric view
408 | Chapter 19 Using Autodesk Inventor Link Support
Specify new view location:
Drag to the right of the orthogonal view, click, and press ENTER
Modifying Breakout Section Views
The cut line used to generate the breakout section view can be modified and
breakout section view regenerated. Under normal circumstances, the cut line
is not visible. To modify the cut line, you must display it first.
To display the cutline:
1 Start the Edit Paper Space Cut Line command.
Browser Right-click the Section icon in the Drawing tab,
then choose Re-Select Cutline.
AMEDITPSCUTLINE Command
2 Respond to the prompts:
Select broken-out section view: Click the breakout section view
Modifying Breakout Section Views | 409
Enter an option for paperspace cutline [Display/Select]
<Display>:
Press ENTER
The cut line is displayed.
3 Modify the cutline to any shape you want it to be.
4 Start the Edit Paper Space Cut Line command.
Browser Right-click the Section icon in the Drawing tab,
and then choose Re-Select Cutline.
AMEDITPSCUTLINE Command
5 Respond to the prompts.
Select broken-out section view: Click the breakout section view
Enter an option for paperspace cutline [Display/Select]
<Display>:
Enter S
Select polyline to use as cutline: Click the edited polyline
The breakout section view and the isometric view update.
410 | Chapter 19 Using Autodesk Inventor Link Support
Removing Views
You can remove views, even though that view may have been used to derive
other views.
To delete the base view:
1 Right-click the base view icon in the browser and select Delete. The Delete
dependent views dialog box is displayed.
2 Click No. The base view is deleted.
3 Save the file and close AutoCAD Mechanical.
Updating Autodesk Inventor Parts
If you have access to Autodesk Inventor (version 8 or above), you can modify
the part file using Autodesk Inventor, then update the part in AutoCAD
Mechanical to reflect the change.
Removing Views | 411
To edit a dimension using Autodesk Inventor
1 Open Holder Bracket.ipt in Autodesk Inventor.
2 Edit a feature.
3 Save the modified part file.
When the part file has been modified outside AutoCAD Mechanical, on the
browser, the affected views are highlighted in yellow. Additionally, a balloon
is displayed on the status bar informing you that a newer version is now
available. To bring in the modifications, you must update the part file.
To update the part file
1 Use AutoCAD Mechanical to open the Assembly file or Part file that was
used in this exercise.
2 Observe how the browser indicates the parts and views affected by the
part modification.
3 Start the update command.
Browser Right-click the yellow part node, then choose Up-
date.
AMIVUPDATE Command
4 Verify that your part has been modified.
You are notified of the number of drawing views that have been updated.
Save your file. This is the end of this tutorial chapter.
412 | Chapter 19 Using Autodesk Inventor Link Support
Index
A
acceleration 353
angular dimensions 151
annotation views 53, 92
associative
hide 95
views 139
Autodesk Inventor link option 374
Autodesk Inventor linked models
base views 381, 399
breakout section views 402, 405
isometric views 407
multiple views 402
orthogonal views 384
shade and rotate 376, 393
update 412
Automatic Dimensioning dialog box 145
automatic dimensions 145
B
balloons 215, 221, 401
base layers 45, 125
base views
for assembly files 399
for part files 381
baseline dimensions 143
Beam Calculation dialog box 290
bearing calculations 247, 264
Belleville spring washers 309
Belt and Chain Length Calculation dialog
box 297
bending moments 269, 285
bills of material 215
blind holes 204
BOM databases 215, 222
border conditions in stress
calculations 342
break dimensions 153
breakout section views, assembly
files 402, 405
breaks in shafts 258
browser
mechanical 53
C
calculations on bearings 264
Cam Design and Calculation dialog
box 355, 358, 365, 368
cams 353
centerlines 143, 209
centroids 288
chains 306
calculations 295
length calculations 297
partitions 295
pitch diameters 295
roller 295
sprockets 295
chamfers 247, 257
Change Title Block Entry dialog
box 379, 398
command summary 13
components
external reference 84, 89, 91
externalize local 91
ghost 82
insert views of external 86
mechanical structure 53
mechanical structure folders 53
restructure 83
view 64
compression springs 309
construction lines 101, 105, 175, 210
Construction Lines dialog box 106
contact areas in screw calculations 332
contours
backgrounds and foregrounds 159,
175
Index | 413
hatch patterns 116
lines 106
countersinks 175
Create Drawing View dialog box 381,
384, 399, 403, 405, 407
cross-hatches 116
curve paths on cams 353
custom filters for parts lists 245
cutlines 404
cylinders in shafts 252
D
deflection lines 269, 285, 289
Detail dialog box 120
detail views 101, 119, 125, 129
deviations to dimensions 118
dialog boxes
Automatic Dimensioning 145
Beam Calculation 290
Belt and Chain Length
Calculation 297
Cam Design and Calculation 355
Change Title Block Entry 379, 398
Construction Lines 106
Create Drawing view 381
Create Drawing View 384, 399,
403, 405, 407
Detail 120
Drawing Borders with Title
Block 154, 398
Drawing Borders with Ttle
Block 377
Edit Attributes 155
Export Drawing Views 391
FEA 2D Calculation 342
FEA 2D Isolines (Isoareas) 345
FEA Configuration 342
Fillet Radius 112
Gear 276
Layer Control 139
List of Filters 243
Material 273
Material Properties 274
Material Type 290
Nominal Diameter 135
Options 46, 380
Page Setup Manager 377, 398
Page Setup-Layout 378, 398
Part Ref Attributes 218, 220, 226
Parts List 230
Point Load 276
Power Dimensioning 118, 122, 137,
143
Power Snap Settings 105, 250
Pulleys and Sprockets 302
Save Drawing As 48
Save Title Block Filename 380
Scale Area 128
Screw Assembly Grip Representation
- Front View 183
Screw Assembly Templates 191
Screw Calculation 325
Screw Connection New Part Front
View 196
Screw Diameter Estimation 192
Select a Blind Hole 205
Select a Cylindrical Pin 207
Select a Nut 328
Select a Row 326
Select a Screw 179, 326
Select Graph 278, 292
Select Part Size 209, 298
Select Template 102, 248, 374, 393
Set Value 232, 241
Shaft Calculation 272
Shaft Generator 251
Sort 239
Switch Representation of Standard
Parts 212
Template Description 49
Torque 277
Type of Follower 356
View 131, 139
dimensions
angular 151
automatic 145
baseline 143
breaks 153
contours 117
deviations 118
multi edit 143, 152
414 | Index
parametric 380, 386
radial 390
reference 389
distance snaps 101
distributed loads 285, 339
drawing borders 154, 376, 397
Drawing Borders with Title Block dialog
box 154, 377, 398
drawing views 380, 399
export to AutoCAD 391
insert drawing borders 376, 397
drawings
borders 143
default templates 51
layers 46
limits 4647
new 50
templates 45, 48
durability calculations 340
dynamic calculations 247
dynamic dragging 175, 247, 309
E
Edit Attributes dialog box 155
Export Drawing Views dialog box 391
export drawing views to AutoCAD 391
extension springs 309
external reference components 84, 89,
91
F
fatigue factors 269
FEA (Finite Element Analysis) 339
FEA 2D Calculation dialog box 342
FEA 2D Isolines (Isoareas) dialog box 345
FEA Configuration dialog box 342
Fillet Radius dialog box 112
fillets 112, 247
filters for parts lists 243, 245
finite element analysis (FEA) 339
fits 143, 152
fits lists 156
fixed supports 269, 285, 339, 343
fixed supports on shafts 275
folders
instances of 58
mechanical structure 53, 73
modify 56
G
Gear dialog box 276
gears 248, 269
geometry in structure 54
ghost components 82
H
hatch patterns 116
hidden lines 159
hide situations
associative 95
in mechanical structure 95
holes
add notes 388
blind 204
countersunk 175
I
instances
compared to occurrences 61
in mechanical structure 54
isoareas in calculations 345
isolines in stress calculations 345
L
Layer Control dialog box 139
layer groups 45, 125
layouts 125126
leaders 227, 236
length calculations for chains 297
libraries for storage 102
lines
deflection 269, 289
List of Filters dialog box 243
load calculations 269, 285, 333, 339
Index | 415
M
Material dialog box 273
Material Properties dialog box 274
material properties for screws 326
Material Type dialog box 290
mechanical browser 53, 74
restructure 78
usage with Bill of Materials 76
mechanical options 46
mechanical structure 5354
enable 55, 249
folders 53, 56
hide situations 95
mesh in stress calculations 345346
model space 126, 132
module values in shafts 253
moments of inertia 285
motion diagrams for cams 353
movable supports 269, 286, 339, 343
movable supports on shafts 275
multi edit dimensions 143, 152
N
NC (numerical control) 353
Nominal Diameter dialog box 135
notches and stress calculations 269
numerical control (NC) 353
O
object snaps 104
objects
mechanical structure 54
occurrences
compared with instances 61
in mechanical structure 54
Options dialog box 46
orthogonal views for part files 384
P
Page Setup - Layout dialog box 378, 398
Page Setup Manager dialog box 377, 398
part information 217
Part Ref Attributes dialog box 218, 220,
226
part references 215, 217
partitions in chains 295
parts layers 45
Parts List dialog box 230
parts lists 227
defined 216
filters 243
merge rows 233
sort 238
split rows 234
pins 207
pitch diameters in chains 295
point forces 270, 286
Point Load dialog box 276
polylines 110
power commands 102, 167
Power Copy 176, 184, 309
Power Dimensioning 102, 126, 143
Power Dimensioning dialog box 118,
122, 137
Power Edit 176, 195, 309, 339, 348
Power Erase 144, 176, 201, 235
Power Recall 176
Power Snap Settings dialog box 105, 250
Power View 176, 198, 320
precision in dimensions 118
profiles in shafts 256
property class for screws 327
Pulleys and Sprockets dialog box 302
R
radial dimensions 390
radius reflection lines 248
reference dimensions 389
representations of standard parts 176,
211
resolution in cam calculations 353
restructure components 83
result blocks in screw calculations 338
roller chains 295
rotate tool 376, 393
416 | Index
S
Save Drawing As dialog box 48
Save Title Block Filename dialog box 380
Scale Area dialog box 128
scale areas 126127
scale monitors 126
Screw Assembly Grip Representation -
Front View dialog box 183
Screw Assembly Templates dialog
box 191
Screw Calculation dialog box 325
Screw Connection dialog box 178, 188,
192
Screw Connection New Part Front View
dialog box 196
Screw Diameter Estimation dialog
box 192
screws
calculations 323
connections 323
contact areas 332
loads and bending moments 333
material properties 326
precalculations 192
property class 327
result blocks 338
settlement properties 335
stand-alone calculations 324
templates 186
tightening properties 336
washers 329
Select a Blind Hole dialog box 205
Select a Cylindrical Pin dialog box 207
Select a Nut dialog box 328
Select a Row dialog box 326
Select a Screw dialog box 179, 326
Select Graph dialog box 278, 292
Select Part Size dialog box 209, 298
Select Template dialog box 102, 248,
374, 393
Set Value dialog box 232, 241
settlement properties in screw
calculations 335
Shaft Calculation dialog box 272
Shaft Generator dialog box 251
shafts
breaks 248, 258
calculations 270, 278
cylinders 252
generator 248, 270
module values 253
profiles 256
side views 259
slopes 261
threads 259
slopes on shafts 261
snap distance for balloons 227
snap settings 104105
Sort dialog box 239
sort parts lists 238
springs
Belleville 309
calculations 309310, 313
compression 309
extension 309
layouts 313
torsion 309
sprockets 295, 302
stability calculations 340
standard parts 176
steel shapes 159, 164, 167
step width in cam calculations 354
Strength Calculation dialog box 281
strength calculations for shafts 270, 280
stress calculations 270, 339
stress divisions 349
stress representations 347
stress tables 346
stress yield points 270
supports 269
Switch Representation of Standard Parts
dialog box 212
T
tangent definitions for chains 299
Template Description dialog box 49
templates, drawings 45, 48, 51
threads on shafts 259
tightening properties in screw
calculations 336
Index | 417
title blocks 144
tolerances 118, 144
Torque dialog box 277
torsion springs 309
tracking lines 227
trims 114
Type of Follower dialog box 356
V
view components 64
View dialog box 131, 139
viewports 126, 129
views
annotation 92
associative 139
base 399
breakout section 402
detail 101, 129
drawing 380, 399
isometric 407
multiple for assembly files 402
orthogonal 384
scales 126
sides of shafts 259
W
washers 329
working layers 45, 126
X
xref components 84, 89, 91
Y
yield points of stress 270
418 | Index